Why a Bicycle Built for Two?

 Tandem Bicycle

The idea of a bicycle for two riders is about as old as the bicycle itself. German Baron Karl Christian 

Ludwig Drais von Sauerbronn who invented the two-wheeled "running machine" that preceded 

the pedal-powered bicycles, already played around with the two-rider idea for his so-called "Draisine" 

in the early 1800. While there have been several attempts to create a bike for two in the late 1800s, 

it is the Brit Dan Albone who is generally credited with the invention of the tandem.The term "tandem 

bicycle" refers to a bike built for two or more riders that are aligned behind one another. If the riders are 

pedaling side-by-side, the vehicle is called a "sociable" instead.

Origins of Tandem Cycling

The invention of the bicycle added mobility to men, and courting males were enabled to expand their 
search for a suitable companion to neighboring towns. A two-seated bicycle that would allow men to 
take his flirt out for a ride, became desirable. The early tandems, also known as "courting tandems," 
placed the female rider in the front seat, so she could admire the scenery during the ride, while the 
male was pedaling away in the back seat.  Sports ambition was yet another reason to develop 
tandems. The speed two cyclists can accumulate on a tandem seemed breathtaking, and tandem 
cycling became an Olympic sport in 1906 and was eliminated from the Olympic program after the 1972 
games.

Dan Albone: Bicycle Inventor

Dan Albone was born in 1860 in England. While he is best-known for his invention of a farm tractor,

he also excelled as a cyclist, accumulating 180 awards and prizes in this sport.  Albone built his first bicycle 

by the age of 13. Before he turned 20, Albone operated a small, yet successful bike manufacturing shop, build-

ing the then-common high-wheelers. Albone's products were popular among racing cyclists, but he really 

aimed to create a light-weighing version of the bicycle that would be comfortable and safe to ride and 

easy to accelerate. He reached this prime goal with the invention of the so-called "self-steering safety 

bicycle" that boasted pneumatic tires, chain-ring gearing and two medium-sized wheels.

Albone's Safety Tandem

Shortly after creating the safety bicycle for one rider, Albone proceeded to invent a tandem version of his 
bike in cooperation with his fellow countryman Arthur James Wilson (1858-1945), a journalist and cyclist. 
The pair introduced their "Tandem Safety" in 1886 and followed it up with the invention of a ladies' ver-
sion in 1887. However, Albone didn't have his tandem inventions patented until 1888, and by this time 
some of his competitors had also presented similar-looking tandem bikes.

So, Is Tandem Bike Riding Good for

Parkinson's?

In the old days, a bicycle built for two was a vehicle for joy riding. Now, the bikes are also built for speed and sport. But researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have another idea for tandems. They're investigating whether riding tandems are beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease.

                                   Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative nerve condition that results when the brain stops manufacturing dopamine, a neurotransmitter. It causes tremors and muscle freezing, making it tough for Parkinson patients to swallow, walk, write and speak. Some medications treat Parkinson's symptoms, but nothing cures the disease. The Cleveland Clinic researchers are showing, however, that symptom relief may be a tandem ride away. Dr. Jay Alberts made the discovery after tandem bike riding with a friend.

                                    The Discovery

Alberts and a friend with Parkinson's were taking part in a bike ride to raise awareness for the disease. After an hour, the friend noticed that some of her symptoms were relieved. Alberts was intrigued, and wondered if other Parkinson's patients would have the same symptom suppression. So he brought the possibility back to the Cleveland Clinic and set up a study.

                                    The Study

Alberts put patients on the back of tandems with physical trainers in front. With trainers keeping a pace of 80 to 90 RPMs, the Parkinson's patients were forced to pedal faster than they normally could. This was similar to the pace Alberts kept with his own riding partner whose symptoms had improved. After eight weeks, Alberts found patients who pedaled an hour a day, three times a week, saw symptoms improve by 35 percent. Patients who pedaled on their own did not see an improvement.

                                     The Breakthrough

Tandem bike riding turned out to be beneficial therapy for patients, but Alberts determined it was because the therapy was forced. He said the challenge of pedaling much faster than normal activates the part of the brain that controls body movements and releases dopamine, which would improve symptoms in Parkinson's patients. Alberts also said that dopamine increase may stimulate nerve growth. He is investigating, as of 2011, whether forced exercise on a motorized bike will make the same difference. Parkinson's patients are not advised to try this on their own. They should consult their doctors* first and then hire Liz and Mandy to not only keep you company but to kick your butt as well.

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*If I heard Jay say it once, I heard him say it a thousand times, "I am not a medical doctor, I just play one on TV."

So despite all this great stuff you just learned about how tandem cycling can diminish symptoms in a PD patient....I still plan to take total advantage of my position on the back. Shhhhhh....just don't tell Glenn!


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