Introduction of the Safety Bicycle
In 1885, Englishman John Kemp Starley introduced the “safety bicycle,” featuring equal-sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel, offering a safer alternative to the high-wheeled penny-farthing.
Columbia’s Military Adaptation
By 1897, the Pope Manufacturing Company in the United States developed the Columbia Military Pneumatic Safety Bicycle. This model was equipped with a belt-fed machine gun mounted on the handlebars and ammunition boxes on the rear cargo rack. The design aimed to provide soldiers with a mobile, silent mode of transportation that could deliver firepower when needed.
Practical Challenges
While innovative, the bicycle’s practicality was limited. Firing the machine gun required the rider to stop and stabilize the bicycle, making it less effective in dynamic combat situations. Additionally, the added weight and complexity posed challenges for maneuverability and maintenance.
In 1885, Englishman John Kemp Starley introduced the "safety bicycle," featuring equal-sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel, offering a safer alternative to the high-wheeled penny-farthing. pic.twitter.com/HSgYaTtmIn
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