Boneshakers to bloomers: the colourful history of the bicycle

BONESHAKERS TO BLOOMERS: THE COLOURFUL HISTORY OF THE BICYCLE    

Professor Mike Bruton, ichthyologist, museum and science centre development consultant    

Tuesday 16 January  1.00 pm  COURSE FEES R110; Staff and students R55         

Did you know that the first bicycle was invented in 1816 due to a shortage of horses? From the hobbyhorse to the boneshaker, penny-farthing to the safety, racers to recumbents, BMX to the mountain bike, manuped to e-bike, the bicycle has defied all expectations and remains more popular than ever. Besides being the most efficient vehicle ever invented, it has also become the icon of the sustainable living campaign and the vehicle of choice for people from all walks of life. The reasons for the success of the bicycle, and its future, will be discussed.

Recommended reading

Beneke, M., Beneke, G., Noakes, T. and Reynolds, M. 1989. The Lore of Cycling. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Beeley, S. 1992. A History of Bicycles. From Hobby Horse to Mountain Bike. London: Studio Editions.

Bruton, M.N. 2016. What a Great Idea! Awesome South African Inventions. Cape Town: Jacana. Bruton, M.N. 2021. Boneshakers to Bloomers: Evolution of the Bicycle. Chapter 5 in: Curious Notions.

Reflections of an Imagineer. Cape Town: Footprint Press.

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