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3500B.C.-- The history of wheeled vehicles originates in lower Mesopotamia. There is evidence that the Sumerians made use of these vehicles.
1551-- The coach was introduced to Britain.
1791-- The Celeripede was demonstrated by Comte de Sivrac in Paris through development of a children's toy in the form of a wooden horse. It wheels for hooves, consisted of a wooden bar supported on 2 sizeable wheels and carrying a padded saddle. Rider propelled it with feet and could only steer by leaning (renames Velocipede in 1793).
1817-- A stearable front wheel was added to the Velocipede and it was called a "dandy horse".
1819-- W.K. Clarkson was granted a patent for improving the "bike": the rider was perched on a saddle cushion in the middle of a longitudinal bar over 2 equal sized wooden wheels held in iron forks with another leather cushion to lean upon while steering and propelling the machine with feet. Became very popular at this time among the wealthy in Germany, Britain, and the USA.
1825-- Accesories were beginning to be added to the "bike", such as: the mileometer, footrests on front wheel for rest while coasting downhill, a spring was put under the seat for comfort, and an adjustable seat-- to adjust distance from seat to ground.
1839-40-- The first pedal bicycle made in Scotland
1860-- A rear wheel brake added
1861-- The idea of fitting cranks and pedals to the front wheel was suggested by pierre michaux and his son built it-- the bicycle now became a practical machine in France.
1862-- There were currently 142 models of the bikes manufactured each year.
1863-- Annual productions reached 400 models of bikes per year. Bicycles were made of steel, with ebony wheels and ivory handle-grips, the seat was mounted on a spring and lever brakes were located on the rear tire.
1866-- The first bicycle patent in the US was given to James Carrol and Pierre Lallement. The bike was revolutionary: people could travel outside their immediate geographical and social circumstances cheaply, barriers of strict Sabbath observances and stiff exchange between sexes, confining modes of dress and class distinctions.
1869-- The first cycle show in France and in England they held race meetings where prizes were awarded to the best bicycle. The first race track was open and the first cycling periodical, 'Veleocipede Illustre" was pub
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