Imajinsha, or Imajin Co. – a Japanese publisher of children’s and educational books recently put the final touches on a new quiz book, as part of their educational book series. One of the sections features bicycles, and you may recognize one of the shots in Question 13 here:
The page reads:
Question 13 asks, For what use were folding bicycles developed?
A. To be able to carry aboard the train
B. To be able to fit in the trunk of a car
C. Military purpose
The Answer?
Is option C. Military purpose. Montague Bikes joined up with the U.S. Armed Forces to produce new innovations on military folding bicycles, particularly for paratroopers. But long before that, a little more than a century prior – bicycles were being used for military purposes.
The passage on folding bike history reads:
More and more folding bikes are being developed and considered for military use. Already in the 19th century conventional (nonfolding) bicycles were being put to use by the militaries of European countries, such as Italy and France. At the end of the 19th century both the French military and Germany military were able to develop working portable folding bicycles, so that by World War I England, France, and many other nations put them to military use. And during the Second World War the English military was riding them for transportation.
These are an innovation that will significantly enhance daily living and quality of life for an entire army.
Bicycle infantry were used extensively by the Japanese during WWII. Over 50,000 were used in the invasion of China alone.
Thank you for writing. We also received this article from a reader about military action using folding bicycles during World War II.
Outstanding! Not hard to see why Montague’s Paratrooper line is recognized worldwide. Simply, The Best… I was so impressed with them, that I bought two of the Paratrooper Pro’s! What better “lifeboast” could you have, for a Toyota FJ Cruiser?
If only ALL of the equipment our men and women in uniform were so well designed…
Thank you for writing! We’re always glad to hear from Montague owners, please share where your adventures take you!