It's one of the most popular modes of transportation, aside from cars, of course. Owning one is an expression of concern for one's health and fitness, as well as for the natural environment. We can use it to get around the city, along forest paths, and on mountain trails. A bicycle consists of two wheels, a frame, a saddle, and handlebars. Do you know when the first Polish bicycles appeared? When could our great-grandparents experience this freedom and travel faster than on foot?

Bicycle – the work of… a Warsaw painter

Who would have guessed that the first Polish bicycles were designed and constructed by a painter? It was Edmund Perl, who in 1868 built the first "automobile," as bicycles were initially called. The painter used wood, and instead of two wheels, there were three. A year later, the first "automobile" competition was held in Poland. A few words about the origins of the word "bike" itself. Before it became common, terms such as velocipede or bicykle were used. Velocipede is a direct translation of the French word " vélocipède" —a term used to refer to the first proto-bicycles from around the early 19th century. Velocipede was originally the name given to the first vehicle with two wheels and a frame, but without any drive. The rider propelled themselves solely with their legs—just like children do today when they mount a "two-wheeler." Another (linguistically interesting, in my opinion) digression, because history has come full circle. In Poland, a two-wheeler ("bi-cycle") is currently used to refer to... electric vehicles made by Segway. The word "bicycle" itself has similar origins to "electrolux," "jeep," or "walkman"—Rover also originally produced velocipedes. In European languages, terms with a wheel in the background predominate—Fahrrad (German: "fahren" - to ride, "Rad" - wheel"), bicycle, or velo (shortened from "velocipede"). The first Polish bicycles generated considerable interest, leading to the formation of the Warsaw Cyclists' Society in 1886. It brought together bicycle enthusiasts, including figures such as Maria Skłodowska-Curie and Henryk Sienkiewicz. Competitions were organized and bicycle tourism was promoted, all with the goal of increasing the number of Poles using self-driving bicycles. In 1892, a cycling track was built next to the Warsaw Cyclists' Society headquarters. The organization's membership grew, reaching 120 by 1895.

Polish military bicycles

The largest bicycle manufacturer in Poland before World War II was the Łucznik Arms Factory in Radom. They created special bicycles for the military, featuring military gadgets and a weapon compartment. The most popular bicycle, number 35, was green, with a sturdy, durable frame and two chainrings. Polish bicycles also had license plates. These were mandatory in the 1920s. They were attached to the rear of the saddle, and the owner received a registration certificate.

Romet – the largest Polish bicycle factory

After World War II, in 1949, Poland's largest bicycle factory, Romet, was established in Bydgoszcz. It also had production facilities in Poznań and Czechowice-Dziedzice. In the following years, the company's operations expanded significantly, and in its heyday, it sold as many as 1,200,000 bicycles annually. Our parents (and, for the younger generation, grandparents) probably still remember Polish bicycles, such as the Wigry, Passat, Gazela, and Universal; they set cycling trends on our roads. Today, the bicycle is no longer made of wood or has three wheels, and its design is also completely different from that designed by Edmund Perl. Bicycles are ubiquitous on city streets, bike paths, forest paths, and mountain trails. Cycling competitions have been incorporated into the Olympic disciplines. Maja Włoszczowska and Rafał Majka are spreading a love of cycling, which is why we are increasingly willing to replace air-polluting cars with modern, environmentally friendly, and healthy bicycles.