Bicycle
Overview
A bicycle is a means of transport that moves on two wheels using a human-powered drivetrain such as pedals and a chain. It is used across many areas including transportation, sports, leisure, logistics, and health management, and because it emits no exhaust gases and has low maintenance costs, it is regarded as a representative eco-friendly mode of transport. In recent years, electric bicycles and smart bicycles that combine electric assist devices with IoT and sensor technology have been rising to the center of the market.
Main Content
History
- In 1817, Karl von Drais (카를 폰 드라이스) of Germany devised the draisine (드라이지네, Resident), a two-wheeled vehicle propelled by pushing with the feet.
- In the 1860s in France, the velocipede (벨로시페드) appeared, with pedals attached directly to the front wheel.
- In the 1870s, the penny-farthing (페니파딩, high wheel), with its very large front wheel, became popular, but it was unsafe.
- In 1885, John Kemp Starley's (존 켐프 스타틀리) 'Rover Safety' established the format of two equal-sized wheels and chain drive, becoming the prototype of the modern bicycle.
- In 1888, John Boyd Dunlop's (존 보이드 던롭) invention of the pneumatic tire greatly improved ride comfort and efficiency.
- Entering the 20th century, a mass-production system was put in place and the bicycle established itself as a popular means of transport; it was also introduced to Korea in the early 1900s and used as a means of commuting and delivery.
Structure and Principle
A bicycle consists of a frame, front and rear wheels, a drivetrain (pedals, cranks, chain, sprockets, derailleur), a braking system (rim brakes, disc brakes), a steering system (handlebars, fork), and a saddle. When the rider presses the pedals, the cranks rotate and power is transmitted to the rear wheel through the chain. Depending on the gear ratio, the distance traveled differs even with the same number of pedal rotations, and the bicycle's ability to balance itself while moving is the result of a combination of the rotational inertia of the wheels, the trail of the steering axis, and the rider's minute steering adjustments.
Types
- Road bike: Light with narrow tires, suitable for high-speed riding on paved roads
- MTB: For unpaved and mountainous terrain, with suspension and wide tires
- Hybrid/city bike: General-purpose models for commuting and everyday use
- Gravel: Of a character between road and MTB, for long-distance unpaved riding
- Folding bike: Can be folded for connection with public transit
- Electric bicycle (PAS): Assists pedaling with a motor and battery
- Fixie/track: Fixed-gear with no derailleur or brakes, for velodrome competition
- BMX/trials: Focused on tricks and technique
- Cargo bike/tandem/recumbent: For logistics, two riders, and special postures
Infrastructure and Policy
Bicycle-only roads, bicycle-priority roads, protected zones, racks, and public rental stations determine convenience of use. Shared bicycles such as Seoul's 'Ttareungi' (따릉이), combined with public transit transfers, handle short-distance travel, and local governments are expanding bicycle road networks while also conducting safety education.
Safety and Regulations
Under the Road Traffic Act, a bicycle is classified as equivalent to a vehicle, so riding on the roadway is the principle, and drunk riding and riding without lights at night are subject to enforcement. Helmet wearing, the installation of headlights, taillights, and reflectors, and a bicycle driver's license system for children are operated as safety norms.
Latest Trends
The key keywords of the bicycle industry in 2024–2025 are electrification, safety regulation, and smart connectivity. Electric bicycles equipped with torque sensor-based pedal assist and high-capacity, high-safety batteries have established themselves as the mainstay of commuting and last-mile logistics, and urban delivery models using cargo e-bikes have spread. As the issue of lithium-ion battery fires has come to the fore, safety standards and certification regulations for charging and storage are trending toward strengthening.
Technologically, electronic shifting (wireless shifting), hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless tires, and carbon frames have come down to mid-range models, and integration with GPS, cadence sensors, and fitness apps (such as Strava and Zwift) has become commonplace. Indoor cycling and virtual riding platforms are also steadily growing. In terms of policy, to achieve carbon neutrality and ease urban traffic congestion, bicycle–public transit integrated fare systems and the creation of bicycle-friendly cities are expanding, and the popularity of professional sports content such as the Grand Tours and Olympic track cycling is being maintained.
Related Topics
- [[Electric bicycle]]
- [[Bicycle road]]
- [[Road Traffic Act]]
- [[Carbon neutrality]]
- [[Bicycle sharing]]
- [[Cycling]]