According to information from The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, OH, it was against this backdrop that a Mr. E.B. Boynton of East Orange, NJ built a most unusual bicycle in 1936. Named the Pedi- Plane, the bike was a recumbent design, unusual in any age. Recumbents had just made a small splash in Europe a couple of years earlier. Perhaps the builder was aware of this, or, as has occurred several times in bicycle history, he may have just invented a recumbent independently. |
In any case, Boynton incorporated many automotive-style elements, including twin pod headlights, a louvered hood, and the suggestion of a radiator grill over the headtube. And of course the recumbent riding position is similar to the seated position of a car driver. The name might even be suggestive of the Hudson Terraplane car. Apparently Boynton had commercial aspirations for his design, but the bike never made it to the market. This prototype is on display at the Museum. |
In any case, Boynton incorporated many automotive-style elements, including twin pod headlights, a louvered hood, and the suggestion of a radiator grill over the headtube. And of course the recumbent riding position is similar to the seated position of a car driver. The name might even be suggestive of the Hudson Terraplane car. Apparently Boynton had commercial aspirations for his design, but the bike never made it to the market. This prototype is on display at the Museum. |
A H I S T O R I C R E C U M B E N T - D E S I G N B I C Y C L E |
">
">
">
">
The last time the century clock ticked over, a bicycle boom was going bust. Two million bicycles were sold in the US in 1897. By 1904, that number was down to 250,000. Americans who had been crazy for bicycles were now crazy for anything with a motor. Most bicycle companies did the obvious thing and got into the production of cars, motorcycles, or both. Those that continued to make bicycles styled them to look like motorcycles. But quality and sales continued to decline. In 1933, a frustrated Ignaz Schwinn borrowed some superior motorcycle-tire technology and mated it with a sturdy frame. The balloon tire bicycle was born. Art Deco style, including streamlining, was evident everywhere at the time, including in automobiles. It quickly found its way into the look of this new type of bicycle. Adults were not riding bikes much by this time, but sleek styling suggestive of cars, motorcycles or airplanes was a big hit with those too young to drive. |
Recumbent bikes have an image of cutting-edge design about them today; however, the concept itself has been around for quite a while, as may be seen here. |
">
">
">
">
According to information from The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, OH, it was against this backdrop that a Mr. E.B. Boynton of East Orange, NJ built a most unusual bicycle in 1936. Named the Pedi- Plane, the bike was a recumbent design, unusual in any age. Recumbents had just made a small splash in Europe a couple of years earlier. Perhaps the builder was aware of this, or, as has occurred several times in bicycle history, he may have just invented a recumbent independently. |
">
">
">
">
Article by John Riley, Photographs by Steve Robson, the Pedi-Plane Courtesy of Bicycle Museum Of America |
