The "Water Bicycle" is Nearly 150 Years Old

In 1891, the Pinkert Navigating Tricycle (a water velocipede) certainly turned heads. Essentially, it was a bicycle crossed with a boat and used balloon-like tires to stay afloat. The invention was featured in Scientific American when George Pinkert tried to cross the English Channel on it. According to the magazine, Pinkert was about halfway across the channel when the tide turned. He realized he would be carried out to sea, so he hailed a passing vessel and was taken on board.

The first water-bicycle design actually dates back to 1869 (by D.J. Farmer), although Pinkert was the first to actually develop the concept and implement it. So, are these water bikes still around? Yes! It's possible to ride modern descendants of the Pinkert Navigating Tricycle at beach resorts, lake getaways, and other vacation spots. However, water bicycles never gained the popularity and practicality of land bicycles.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past