Treadle bicycle

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/treadle-bicycle

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the propulsion system?Lever-based treadle mechanism for reciprocating leg motion
2. What is the related vehicle types?Also implemented on tricycles and quadracycles
3. How does a treadle bicycle move its wheels?The rider pushes the levers down, and the motion is turned into a spinning motion that turns the wheels. This is different from the usual pedals that spin in a circle.
4. Why didn't treadle bicycles become the main type of bike?They were less efficient and bigger than chain-driven safety bicycles. The safety bike could use smaller parts and lower gears, making it easier for many riders.

Reciprocating Motion: Movement that alternates in direction, like an up-and-down or back-and-forth action.
Rotary Motion: Movement in a circular direction, such as that of a wheel or crank.
Power Transmission: The process of transferring mechanical power from a source to a device that uses it.