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Replica of Draisine Bicycle

Specifications

Replica of Draisine Bicycle

Category

Transportation

Classification

CHENHALL - Distribution & Transportation Objects - Land Transportation T&E - Human-Powered Vehicles - Cycle - Draisine

Object Origin
Builder:

Museum of Science and Industry

Date Built:

1931

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Wooden bicycle with a green painted body and yellow painted wheels and decorative accents. The bicycle has a dark green leather seat with a green wooden back. A dark green arm rest is mounted in front of the seat. There are no pedals. The bicycle is foot-propelled with a stick mounted to the front acting as the steering mechanism.

Materials:

wood

leather

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 40 in, Width: 12 in, Depth: 79 in

Credit

Produced by Museum, 31.850

Display Status

On Exhibit

Replica of Draisine Bicycle

About: Replica of Draisine Bicycle

About: Replica of Draisine Bicycle

This is a replica of Baron Karl von Drais’ running machine which led to the creation of the modern bicycle. Often referred to as a draisienne, the running machine was the first self-propelled, two-wheeled vehicle. Created in Germany by Drais in 1817, the running machine consisted of two miniature carriage wheels attached in alignment to a wooden frame. It had a triangular steering column, or tiller, with a padded saddle and an armrest over the pivoting front wheel. To propel the machine, the rider ran their feet along the ground, coasting between steps as the running machine gained speed, which ranged from 5-6 mph. To brake, the rider pulled a cord that stopped the back wheel. The running machine may not look like the pedal bikes we see today, but it represents the first stage in bicycling design which was continued by other inventors. In addition to this replica illustrating the first attempt at a self-propelled, two-wheel vehicle, this running machine has a sentimental significance to Griffin MSI. According to archival records, this running machine was created by the museum staff in 1931 for an exhibition. It is made of wood with metal rims or tires and has a leather covered seat and is operated using the same tiller-style steering utilized by Drais on the first running machine.

Additional information

Copyright information

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