A velocipide (which is Latin for ‘fast foot’) refers to any type of human-powered vehicle with at least one wheel. Though the modern bicycle is technically a velocipede, the term is most often used to describe an old-fashioned style with a larger front wheel and smaller back wheel.

Many different styles of velocipedes were developed during the mid nineteenth century, up until about 1880. The earliest velocipede styles were quite popular especially in France and the United Kingdom. They did not have pedals, but were propelled by the rider’s feet against the ground. The term ‘velocipede’ itself was first used to describe the first pedal-equipped two-wheeled design developed during the 1860s by the Michaeux company. The pedals of this design were actually attached to the front wheel, rather than somewhere between the two wheels, as would be expected with bicycles today. This French velocipede, the first mass-produced style, attained its height of popularity from 1867 to 1870.

Early versions of the velocipede (which had not yet become known as a bicycle) were also known by the nickname “boneshaker” because this entirely wooden contraption did not provide a very smooth ride, especially over cobblestone roads. Other unique names derived from the shape of the velocipede included ‘high wheelers,’ ‘dandy horse,’ and ‘penny-farthing.’ These antique-style velocipedes actually became quite a popular fad. Not only were they enjoyed over cobblestone roads, but several larger cities even developed indoor riding spaces, similar to today’s roller skating rinks, where young men, especially, could be seen riding in circles.

The 1870s led to the development of the first all-metal velocipides, the type that have been memorialized in countless illustrations and other depictions of the era. The front wheel of the velocipede gradually became larger and larger as the makers of these bicycles realized that the larger the wheel, the farther the velocipede would travel with just one rotation of the pedals. Wwith solid rubber tires, this new style of velocipede provided a much smoother ride than the wooden type predating it. This time of velocipede was actually the first style to be known as a bicycle, and it was particularly popular in the 1880s, especially among wealthier young men.

As the front wheels of velocipides became overly tall, the seat of the device was also necessarily higher and higher, which became quite dangerous. A velocipede toppling over was not an uncommon sight. A a result, more “dignified” riders favored the tricycle, which was more stable. In part because of this trend, as well as the inherent instability of a two-wheeled vehicle with a much larger front wheel, the front wheels of velocipedes became gradually smaller, until they were only as large as the back wheel, like the modern bicycle style. Earlier versions of velocipedes with smaller front wheels were known as a “dwarf” because of the drastic difference between them and earlier velocipedes.

The lighter frame, new positioning of the pedals in between the two wheels, and smaller front wheel made this new style much easier to ride. With these improvements, riders found bicycles much more comfortable. A new cycling craze began in the 1890s, resulting in the formation of cycling clubs throughout Europe and the United States. For the first time, it became socially acceptable for women to ride bicycles, which were no longer quite so dangerous.

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