About: Replica of Draisine Bicycle

This is a replica of Baron Karl von Drais’ running machine which led to the creation of the modern bicycle. Often referred to as a draisienne, the running machine was the first self-propelled, two-wheeled vehicle. Created in Germany by Drais in 1817, the running machine consisted of two miniature carriage wheels attached in alignment to a wooden frame. It had a triangular steering column, or tiller, with a padded saddle and an armrest over the pivoting front wheel. To propel the machine, the rider ran their feet along the ground, coasting between steps as the running machine gained speed, which ranged from 5-6 mph. To brake, the rider pulled a cord that stopped the back wheel. The running machine may not look like the pedal bikes we see today, but it represents the first stage in bicycling design which was continued by other inventors. In addition to this replica illustrating the first attempt at a self-propelled, two-wheel vehicle, this running machine has a sentimental significance to Griffin MSI. According to archival records, this running machine was created by the museum staff in 1931 for an exhibition. It is made of wood with metal rims or tires and has a leather covered seat and is operated using the same tiller-style steering utilized by Drais on the first running machine.