| Title: | Physics and the History of Bicycles |
| Meeting: | 129th AAPT National Meeting: Sacramento, CA |
| Location: | Union Orchard Suite |
| Date: | Monday, Aug. 2 |
| Time: | 4:30 p.m. |
| Author: |
Dean Zollman, Kansas State
Univ. 785-532-1619, dzollman@phys.ksu.edu |
| Co-Author(s): | None |
| Abstract: | The forerunner of the bicycle, the Draisienne, was patented in 1818. For about 75 years a variety of frames, drives, wheels, and suspensions were developed. Yet by 1897 when a group of African-American soldiers tested the military value of the bicycle in a 2200-mile trip, their bicycles looked remarkably like today's bikes. The applications of physics are evident in the evolution from the Draisienne to today's diamond-shaped frame. One might conclude that the diamond frame is the ideal scientific design. Archibald Sharp said as much in 1896. Yet, aerodynamic considerations can lead one to an alternative - the recumbent. However, the application of physics to technological advances is seldom independent of socio-political interactions. In 1934 the Union Cycliste Internationale banned recumbent bicycles from competition. This action limited bicycle design for 50 years. Thus, the history of the bicycle makes an excellent vehicle for teaching physics and its application in social contexts. |
| Footnotes: | None |