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Drais Walking Wheel
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Drais Walking Wheel
The walking wheel of Monsieur Drais. Date: 1818
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14293336
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1818 Cycling Hobby Monsieur Rider Wheel Drais Pointless
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image transports us back in time to 1818, where we find the enigmatic figure of Monsieur Drais, the inventor of the Draisine, or Laufmaschine, as it was originally known, casually strolling along a serene pathway while astride his innovative creation, the Drais Walking Wheel. The Draisine, a precursor to the bicycle, was a significant milestone in the history of personal transportation and a popular hobby among the European elite. Monsieur Drais, a French aristocrat and diplomat, is depicted with an air of nonchalance as he effortlessly glides along the cobblestone road, leaving behind a trail of dust. The large wooden wheel, which replaced the traditional horse or carriage for short-distance travel, allowed the rider to maintain their balance and propel themselves forward by pushing off the ground with their feet. This newfound freedom and agility proved to be a sensation, sparking a wave of excitement and curiosity across Europe. The Drais Walking Wheel, with its sleek design and innovative concept, was a far cry from the horse-drawn carriages and cumbersome wagons that were the norm at the time. Its simplicity and elegance paved the way for future advancements in transportation technology, ultimately leading to the invention of the bicycle and, eventually, the automobile. This photograph, captured in 1818, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing a pivotal moment in the history of personal transportation. The Drais Walking Wheel, a seemingly pointless invention at first glance, proved to be a catalyst for change and a testament to human ingenuity.
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