Bicycle History Quiz

Name:

Date:

Instructions: Pedal through the history of bicycles and test your recall of cycling facts

1.
The 'penny-farthing' bicycle is recognized by what distinctive feature?
A
A very large front wheel and small rear wheel
B
Three wheels
C
Two equally sized wheels
D
No pedals
2.
The Tour de France, the world's most famous bicycle race, was first held in what year?
A
1903
B
1923
C
1913
D
1893
3.
What was the 'velocipede,' an early predecessor to the modern bicycle, nicknamed?
A
Wind rider
B
Boneshaker
C
Iron horse
D
Speed demon
4.
The 'safety bicycle,' which closely resembles modern bikes, was introduced in approximately what decade?
A
1900s
B
1880s
C
1870s
D
1860s
5.
Which component allows a cyclist to change gears on a multi-speed bicycle?
A
Dynamo
B
Derailleur
C
Sprocket
D
Caliper
6.
John Boyd Dunlop is credited with developing what important bicycle innovation in 1888?
A
Chain drive
B
Hand brakes
C
Reflectors
D
Pneumatic tire
7.
A 'tandem bicycle' is designed for how many riders?
A
Three
B
Four
C
Two
D
One
8.
BMX stands for 'Bicycle Moto' what?
A
Xtreme
B
Cross
C
Mix
D
Maximum
9.
The draisine, considered the first two-wheeled human-powered vehicle, was invented by Karl von Drais in what year?
A
1797
B
1857
C
1837
D
1817
10.
Which country is often called the 'bicycle capital of the world' due to its cycling culture?
A
Netherlands
B
Belgium
C
Denmark
D
Germany
11.
A 'recumbent bicycle' is distinctive because the rider sits in what position?
A
Kneeling
B
Leaning back in a reclined position
C
Lying flat face down
D
Standing upright
12.
The 'Giro d'Italia' is a famous multi-stage bicycle race held in which country?
A
Spain
B
Italy
C
France
D
Belgium
13.
What type of bicycle has thick, knobby tires designed for off-road trails?
A
Touring bike
B
Cruiser bike
C
Road bike
D
Mountain bike
14.
The Wright Brothers, who built the first airplane, originally worked in what related business?
A
Boat building
B
Automobile repair
C
Railroad engineering
D
Bicycle shop
15.
A 'fixie' or fixed-gear bicycle is unique because it lacks what feature?
A
A freewheel mechanism (coasting ability)
B
Handlebars
C
A seat
D
Pedals

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