Ever since the bicycle was invented in the early 1800s, this two-wheeled transporter has had a huge impact on society. Today it’s estimated there are around one billion bicycles in the world and, according to singer Katie Melua, nine million of those are in Beijing! It’s not in question that cycling remains the principal means of transport for much of the world’s population.

It was in 1817 that Karl von Drais invented his “hobby horse”, a wooden bicycle with wheels but no pedals or chain. You pushed along with your feet, but it was still faster than walking.

Around 1840 Kirkpatrick Macmillan from Scotland took the next step by adding pedals. The “Safety Bicycle”, with gears and a chain to drive the rear wheel, became popular around 1885 while the introduction of the pneumatic tyre, not long after, made a big difference to rider comfort, helping public acceptance of the new design.

But it was only in the 1930s that cycles became a popular form of transport as a result of reduced production costs coupled with higher wages.

Having played such a pivotal role in society during the last century, it’s natural that the bicycle has been – and still is – a popular subject for artists and photographers.

This has resulted in a wonderfully diverse selection of cycling posters and vintage bicycle posters, in the form of art reproductions, becoming  available to those for whom originals or limited-edition prints are simply too expensive.

Thanks to innovative technology and breakthroughs in digital printing, it’s now possible to produce small quantities of art reproductions at affordable prices. And, while costs have fallen for limited print runs, the quality of art prints and posters has gotten better. Sophisticated inkjet printers using a broad range of inks can bring out brilliant, saturated colors, exceptional detail and subtle tones previously only manageable with highly expensive machinery.

This means the average art enthusiast now has access to modern cycling posters and vintage bicycle prints reproduced from original artwork. Reproductions are made on archival quality materials and often include stretched canvas prints, providing an even more authentic look.

Giclée bicycle prints (pronounced “zhee-clay”), a form of inkjet print derived from the French phrase meaning to spray or squirt, offer additional options. Giclée prints can be produced on a variety of substrates, including various finishes such as matte photo paper, stretched canvas, or artist textured vinyl.

When selecting cycling posters or vintage bicycle prints, one has various framing options available that allow one to infuse the artwork with individual taste, ensuring a measure of originality. Choosing a frame that complements not only the print but also the room’s interior will add immensely to one’s enjoyment of the artwork.