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Bicycle Facts & Worksheets

A bicycle is a vehicle that has two wheels maneuvered by pedals and guided by handlebars attached to the front wheel.

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A bicycle is a vehicle that has two wheels maneuvered by pedals and guided with handlebars attached to the front wheel. The bike we have today lived through different phases of enhancements that several inventors continuously worked to become a safe vehicle as it is in the present. 

See the fact file below for more information on the Bicycle, or you can download our 31-page Bicycle worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Historical Background

  • In 1817, a German-born Karlsruhe named Karl von Drais made history because of his significant development as he created a steerable, two-wheeled contraption. Karl’s invention was known by many names, which include “running the machine”, “velocipede”, “draisine”, and “hobby-horse”. With this early invention, Drais was acknowledged as the father of the bicycle.
  • Drais’ early version continued to be enhanced across Europe. Start of the 1860s, the prototypes made by inventors Pierre Lallement, Pierre Michaux, and Ernest Michaux were known as “boneshakers” for their rough ride. They developed a prototype that had a pedal attached to the front wheel, and these were the first machines to be labeled as “bicycles.”
  • With their intent to add stability to the vehicle, Eugene Meyer and James Starley made a model dubbed “penny-farthings” or “ordinaries.” Their version has an oversized front wheel which became the trend during the 1870s and even 1880s. This enhancement gave rise to the existence of bicycle clubs and competitive races.
  • With the significant effect of the recent prototype, which contributed to bicycling into the mainstream, its four-foot-high saddle design of penny-farthings made it dangerous and unsafe to ride. In 1885, it was changed by the nephew of James Starley; John Kemp Starley formulated a perfect design for a bicycle that is safe to ride on. The design has features of chain drive and equal-sized wheels. Later on, new developments arose, such as brakes and safe wheels, which became the basic frame of what modern bicycles we have today.

Categories of Present-Day Bicycle

  • These six categories—utility, touring, racing, mountain, hybrid, and BMX—comprise the majority of modern bicycles.
  • In underdeveloped nations, where hundreds of millions of utility bicycles are in use, they are a necessary mode of mobility. Children or adults use utility bicycles for short journeys in wealthy nations. They have a weight of over 30 pounds (14 kg), are toughly constructed, are simple to maintain, and are affordable.
  • A sturdy ride is provided by touring bicycles, which frequently include triple chainwheels and racks for carrying luggage with specific dimensions (panniers). These bikes often have drop-style handlebars, 14 to 27 speeds, small tires, and saddles. They are between 25 and 30 pounds (11 to 14 kg).
  • Mountain bikes have flat handlebars, wide-range derailleurs with up to 27 speeds, wide low-pressure tires with knobs for traction, and strong brakes. They enable an upright riding position due to their flat handlebars. Like motorcycles, many mountain bikes have front suspension. Mountain bikes with full suspension feature unique frames that enable rear-wheel movement. Mountain bikes often weigh between 25 and 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg).
  • Road racing bicycles weigh around 20 pounds and are made for maximum speed (9 kg). They have extremely thin frames, small, high-pressure tires, lowered handlebars, and at least 16-speed derailleurs. Models for track racing feature a single fixed gear.
  • Bicycles that are hybrids incorporate elements of both road and mountain bikes. They are mostly used for light recreation and urban commuting and have grown to be highly popular. The majority have medium-width tires suitable for smooth roads and flat handlebars.
  • As a motocross derivative, BMX (bicycle motocross) bikes first appeared in the early 1970s. They were built for racing on berms, jumps, and tight bends on dirt tracks. BMX bikes have compact frames and 20-inch (51-cm) diameter wheels, making them sturdy. 
  • The seat is low, and the handlebars are high, and there is just one speed. The BMX is a very nimble bike because of these characteristics, therefore it left the tracks and gained popularity in suburban and urban streets. Freestyle riding, which stresses acrobatics over racing, is done on BMX-style bikes.

Parts of the Bicycle

  • The bicycle’s primary function is provided by its wheels, which is why we refer to it as a “bi” (meaning two) and a “cycle” (meaning turning). A hub, spokes, rim, tire, and tube make up a bicycle wheel. Different material qualities might be required for each component of the wheel.
  • The bicycle’s frame serves as the foundation for its overall functionality. Strength and weight should be considered while choosing materials (i.e., strength/density materials and processing). The design of the tube frame is an important factor. 
  • The bicycle industry refers to the moving mechanical pieces as “Components,” which include everything except the wheel, frame, seat, and handlebars. We shall just discuss the components’ overall material relevance. The focus here is on the cost, weight, wear, and function of the pieces. Brake/shifting levers for speed and acceleration, chain for making the wheels move, and cassette for handling the chains, are a few examples of bicycle components.

Cycling for Health Fitness

A general improvement in your health can be attained in as little as two to four hours each week. Biking is:

  • Low impact: Compared to most other types of exercise, it results in less strains and injuries.
  • An effective muscular workout—as you cycle, cycling works for all the major muscle groups.
  • Simple – Unlike some other sports, cycling doesn’t call for a lot of physical prowess. The majority of individuals can ride a bike, and once you learn, you never lose it.
  • Cycling improves stamina, strength, and aerobic fitness. It is good for building strength and endurance.
  • As intense as you like – if you’re recovering from an illness or injury, you can start cycling at a very low level and work your way up to strenuous physical activity.
  • A fun method to get in shape: Compared to other physical activities that require special times or venues or keep you indoors, cycling keeps you outside and gives you a rush that makes you more motivated to continue cycling consistently.
  • Time-effective – cycling as a form of transportation; substitutes a healthy workout for sedentary (sitting) time spent operating a motor vehicle or riding a tram, train, or bus.
  • Since cycling is mostly an aerobic sport, it works out your heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Your general level of fitness will increase because you’ll breathe more deeply, perspire more, and feel warmer.

Regular cycling has several health advantages, including:

  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Improved flexibility and muscle strength
  • Increased joint flexibility
  • Lower stress levels
  • Enhanced balance and posture
  • Bolstered bones
  • Lower levels of body fat
  • Illness control or prevention
  • Lessened depression and anxiety.

Bicycle Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Bicycle across 31 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about the Bicycle, which is a vehicle that has two wheels maneuvered by pedals and guided by handlebars attached to the front wheel.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Bicycle Facts
  2. Boxes of Letters
  3. Match Me
  4. Pedaling Through History
  5. ReWrite: Fact or Bluff
  6. My Bicycle Dream
  7. Tell Us Your Ride Story
  8. Find Me Inside the Grid
  9. Fix My Parts
  10. Give Me Reasons
  11. Convince and Persuade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a bicycle?

The name of this vehicle comes from the fact that it has two wheels and a person riding on top who pushes the pedals with their feet.

What were bicycles called originally?

Karl von Drais, a German baron, invented the first successful steerable, two-wheeled contraption in 1817. This invention is known as the “velocipede,” “hobby-horse,” “draisine” and “running machine.” Due to this early innovation, Drais became widely recognized as the inventor of the bicycle.

When did bikes become popular?

In America, bikes were popular in the early 1900s. The country’s oldest bicycle racing club-the St. Louis Cycling Club-was established in 1887 and still hosts races and other events today. However, by 1920, interest in cycling had decreased because of the rise of the automobile and people moving to the suburbs.

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Link will appear as Bicycle Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, September 22, 2022

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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