Just 200 years ago in Mannheim in south-west Germany, on June 12 1817, Baron Karl von Drais first took his two-wheeled invention out for a spin to the suburbs. His Laufmaschine, or running machine, was most definitely the precursor of what we now know as the modern bicycle.

The original bicycle was made of wood and was quite heavy, but also had a steering mechanism. It was without pedals and so was not unlike kids’ beginner balance bikes that we know today. So, in 2017 the bicycle as we know it is officially 200 years old. This is definitely a cause for celebration. In Dublin Cycling Campaign we aim to play our part in marking this significant milestone by:

• celebrating all things bicycle and having maximum bicycle craic!
• advocating for more and better funding for cycling
• upping our advocacy work so as to make Dublin City more cycle friendly
• conquering the forces that are trying to restrict the growth of cycling in our city!
• mobilizing more cyclists to join with us in becoming an effective voice for the development of cycling

Why not join us and become part of the velo-rution!? The 200th anniversary of the invention of the bicycle is surely the perfect time to make that step. Your City - and your Cycling Campaign - needs you!