In the heart of the South-western Germany is found Mannheiman apparently quiet town but to which we have to. In fact, he gave birth to two of the most revolutionary inventions of modern mobility: the bicycle and the car. A place that, thanks to two visionaries, has contributed decisively to change the way humanity moves.
The bicycle: thanks to Karl von Drais
In 1817, an eccentric Baron named Karl von Draisinspired by necessity and a deep practical sense, created a new and innovative means of transport: the Laufmaschineor “running machine”. It was a wooden structure with two wheelsthat the user had to push with his feet.
This vehicle, Pretesignano of the modern bicyclerepresented a revolutionary alternative to the use of the horse, especially in an era in which, due to the eruption of the Vulcano TamboraThe global climate He was gone mad and the famine They had led many to sacrifice their soma animals.
The “Draisine“, As was called by the press, allowed much faster movements than walking and attracted public attention. However, the society of the time was not ready for such a novelty: The roads were bad, the vehicle difficult to use and in different cities it was even forbidden. Drais, despite his genius, was opposed for his liberal political ideas and ended up in poverty. But his invention was not forgotten.
About fifty years later, in France, Pedals were added to the draisine, giving life to the “velocipede”. Then followed the wheels of different sizes and finally, thanks to the invention of rollersthe bicycle took on the modern form. This simple, silent and economic means became a tool of emancipation, in particular for womenwho finally could move independently.
The car thanks to Karl Benz
But Mannheim hadn’t said the last word yet. In the 1885 another inventor, Karl Benzhe developed the first petrol motor vehicle: the famous Patent-Motorwagena three -wheeled car with a single cylinder engine. It was slow and difficult to maneuver, but it worked. The following year, Benz he recorded the patent number 37435officially marking The birth of the modern car.
To demonstrate the practical value of the new invention was Bertha Benzwife of the event, who in 1888 faced a historical journey from Mannheim a PFforzheimcovering over 100 km without notifying the authorities or husband. His audacity transformed the car from a simple prototype to an instrument of change.
Today Mannheim proudly celebrates this double legacy. Between museums, cycle paths and commemorative itineraries such as the Bertha Benz Memorial Routethe city has turned into a meeting point between past and future. Here, where two wheels and three wheels They kicked off a revolution, innovation continues to pedal and revive towards new destinations.
