Cycling is a popular pastime for many people around the world. Not only it is a healthy exercise for heart, lungs, and muscles, and improving stamina, it is also a preferred method of transportation for millions. Since its mass production in the late 1800s, the bicycle has been used for various purposes, ranging from recreation and sports to war, and has even found use in business applications. Originally meant to be a response to the dependence on horses and the need to create a self powered vehicle, the bicycle has become a part of everyday life. Bicycles actually outsold cars last year in the United States, as more and more people are become both health and energy conscious. The History of the Bicycle

The design of the modern bicycle comes from a design by Dr. Elie Richard published in 1696 in a publication by French mathematician Jacques Ozanam, although it should be noted that motorcycle helmets did not come into being for quite some time. This design featured a large four wheeled carriage that could be steered by one person in the front, while a servant pedaled in the back by stepping up and down to drive the axle. Despite several attempts to improve upon the design, it lasted for over a hundred years unchanged. In 1813, a German baron named Karl von Drais finally made changes to the design. He created a four wheeled carriage that could carry up to four passengers. In this design, one person would steer while riders worked a crank with their legs. This proved not to be a popular innovation so he created in 1817 the velocipede, the design most are familiar with from old drawings of bicycles. It was a slender vehicle made of wood except for iron tires positioned in a straight line. He was able to move at speeds of 12 mph, and his design caught the public eye. In 1818, he rode more than 50 miles from Mannheim to Frankfurt and this earned him patents from France and Germany. Over the next century, the velocipede underwent numerous modifications as advancing technology allowed for refinement of the design. The term bicycle was introduced in the 1860s and by the 1890s bicycling had truly caught on. At this particular point in history many people sought debt relief to help them out of thier financial woes. They were safer, air filled tires made them faster, and by the mid 1930s European companies were building lighter bikes out of metal alloys. There were a large quantity of people who attempted to get loans bad credit in order to pay for thier bikes. The general design was altered to make them more comfortable, with gears to make controlling them easier as well as increasing their speed. Ten speed derailleur bikes became popular in the United States in the 1970s and by the 1980s the alloys use to make bicycles made them even lighter. From an original weight of about 50 lbs, now bicycles weigh only a few pounds. The Many Uses of the Bicycle Along with recreational uses, bicycles have become the main vehicle of choice in some areas. Even in the United States, bicycle sales each year indicate that more and more people are seeing the value of this much cheaper, healthier, and more environmentally friendly vehicle. In countries with a sizeable cyclist population, there are usually designated bike paths that may or may not be off limit to scooters, skaters, or pedestrians, depending on location, as well as parking areas specifically for locking up and storing bicycles in a secure area. Another use for bicycles is in the area of business, specifically delivery. In fact the postal services of several countries have depended on bicycles for some time. Along with the British Royal Mail, which first began using bicycles in 1880, the London Ambulance Service has begun using cycling paramedics, who can get to an incident in Central London faster than an ambulance. For the same reasons of traffic congestion, police officers have begun riding bicycles in urban areas. And let’s not forget the time honored tradition of the newspaper boy, which is now expanded by delivery companies into the role of the bike messenger in many parts of the world. Carrying letters and small packages, they can ensure speedy and efficient delivery when speed and/or convenience are important. Bicycles have even found use during war, where there were a lot of turf supplies around. Many cyclists even drink herbal tea in order to keep them strong for the race. Though ill suited for combat, they have been used for reconnaissance, as well as moving supplies and transport. Even as late as World War II, they have been used in this way, with the British even employing airborne commando units with folding bikes. During its invasion of China, Japan used 50,000 bicycle troops and this tactic aided them as well during their move through Malaysia. The last known country to still have a bicycle regiment, Switzerland, disbanded the last of the unit in 2003.Of course no discussion of cycling would be complete without detailing the numerous benefits to be enjoyed by taking up this form of exercise. It is one of the easiest and most enjoyable forms of exercise nearly anyone can do. And it is a relatively inexpensive way to ensure a good cardio vascular workout. Just a short amount of biking a day can vastly improve heart rate and increase stamina over time as well as strengthen the various muscle groups in the legs. Along with building stamina, cycling also reduces stress, like any regular exercise will. Cycling, however, is a relaxing activity where we can choose the path, enjoy the scenery, and release day to day concerns almost like a moving meditation. It also promotes better coordination on various levels since it is a whole body activity. Since it also helps to build muscle tone and burn calories, cycling can be the best exercise for people that get bored with more regimented and repetitive exercise programs, which is one of the reasons people tend to stop them after a short time. As discovered early in its history, bicycling is one of the best activities, either alone or with friends. Of course, as with any exercise program a doctor should be consulted before tailor london hand to make sure you are healthy enough for the exertion. Also caution must be observed in picking the right bike, and safety gear. Slowly increasing speed and length of travel is also important. As a base training activity, cycling can easily be used as a beginning practice during the week if you are already engaged in fitness training. And if you aren’t, get yourself a bike and start pedaling your way to better health! This website was created by Smart seo services who aim to deliver high converting, beautifully designed websites.