When the bicycle was first invented some 200 years ago, it consisted of just two wheels and a seat. It was powered by the feet pushing against the ground. The structure has since evolved to include pedals and gears as well as modernized wheels and seat.
Because the bicycle is quite slow, the motorized cars that followed slowly banished them from the streets. But since the energy crisis of 1973, they have reappeared en masse. And since the bicycle is also a good physical fitness aid for the leisure hours, it has been rewelcomed the world over.
The Bicycle in Taiwan: Before 1953, Taiwan imported bicycles from Hong Kong and Japan. In 1953, the government started a program to assist and guide bicycle manufacturers into self-sufficiency. In 1973, due to the energy crisis, bicycles began to be exported in large quantities. But by 1975, due to the fact that the quality of some brands of Taiwan-made bicycles was in need of improvement and because of trade protectionism in other countries--bicycles manufactured in the Republic of China were being slowly eliminated from the international market. Those bicycle manufactures who were producing high quality products, however, caused a subsequent boom in exports, turning Taiwan into a "kingdom of bicycles". In 1979, the total number of bikes exported was 2,200,000 and total export earnings reached NT$33 billion. Total export earnings for both bikes and bike parts was NT$68 billion.
From 1976 to 1982, yearly bicycle exports steadily increased. But starting in 1982, exports again started to decline. Factors leading to this decline included increases in local labor costs and also, international competition. Countries such as Australia, Indonesia, and Korea started producing bicycles for export, cutting into Taiwan's market.
At this time, some Taiwanese bike manufacturers, having discovered certain drawbacks in their products moved to correct them. Manufacturers also began a program of research and technology importation, moving towards high-grade top-of-the-market products. There has been considerable improvement in incorporated parts.
Bike manufactures such as Giant, KHS, and CINCOA have been improving quality, technological research, marketing networks, and service to build top brand images.
In their search for product excellence, the ROC's Medium and Small Business Administration has assisted and guided the manufacturers, especially with regard to technological research, and in improving the quality.
The Industry Bureau has specifically aided the bicycle manufacturers by setting up complementary and reciprocal relationships between them and the parts manufacturers. In addition, they have helped establish a "central-satellite system" --making the parts manufacturers active associates of the bicycle manufacturers, and assisting in establishing quality control.
The Republic of China's bicycle manufacturers, sparing no effort to raise the quality of their products, have again made the country a "kingdom of bicycles".
[Picture Caption]
1. In recent years, Taiwan's bicycle industry has been flourishing and developing, its future looks very bright. 2.4. Besides being a means of transportation, the bicycle can also raise physical fitness levels and bicycle racing is one of the featured sports in the annual Provincial Athletic Races. 3. Riding beside a good friend, one can enjoy the scenery while chatting.
1-5. The BMX bicycle has been enthusiastically welcomed by children. Its durable frame, sturdy materials, and broader tires make it suitable for bump resistance, hill climbing, and 360 degree aerial turns. Safety equipment is always a must with these bikes.
1. The upper bar of this ladies bike has been lowered and a safety framework has been put on the back wheel so that the rider's skirt won't get caught. These improvements are necessary for safety. 2. Bicycle in the traditional style. 3-5. Fully automated Giant bicycle plant. 6. Convenient folding bicycle. 7. A pile of completed wheels at the KHS plant.
1. A speed bicycle has many different sized gears. 2. Wheels made from steel and plastic. 3. These plastic wheels appeared on the market recently after considerable research. 4. These rubber-covered handlebars protect the body from unexpected bumps, part of the special safety equipment of the BMX bicycle. 5. The foot straps on the pedals of this bicycle prevent slippage, and there is a place to carry a container for water to quench a thirst.
2.4. Besides being a means of transportation, the bicycle can also raise physical fitness levels and bicycle racing is one of the featured sports in the annual Provincial Athletic Races.
3. Riding beside a good friend, one can enjoy the scenery while chatting.
2.4. Besides being a means of transportation, the bicycle can also raise physical fitness levels and bicycle racing is one of the featured sports in the annual Provincial Athletic Races.
1-5. The BMX bicycle has been enthusiastically welcomed by children. Its durable frame, sturdy materials, and broader tires make it suitable for bump resistance, hill climbing, and 360 degree aerial turns. Safety equipment is always a must with these bikes.
1-5. The BMX bicycle has been enthusiastically welcomed by children. Its durable frame, sturdy materials, and broader tires make it suitable for bump resistance, hill climbing, and 360 degree aerial turns. Safety equipment is always a must with these bikes.
1-5. The BMX bicycle has been enthusiastically welcomed by children. Its durable frame, sturdy materials, and broader tires make it suitable for bump resistance, hill climbing, and 360 degree aerial turns. Safety equipment is always a must with these bikes.
1-5. The BMX bicycle has been enthusiastically welcomed by children. Its durable frame, sturdy materials, and broader tires make it suitable for bump resistance, hill climbing, and 360 degree aerial turns. Safety equipment is always a must with these bikes.
1-5. The BMX bicycle has been enthusiastically welcomed by children. Its durable frame, sturdy materials, and broader tires make it suitable for bump resistance, hill climbing, and 360 degree aerial turns. Safety equipment is always a must with these bikes.
1. The upper bar of this ladies bike has been lowered and a safety framework has been put on the back wheel so that the rider's skirt won't get caught. These improvements are necessary for safety.
6. Convenient folding bicycle.
7. A pile of completed wheels at the KHS plant.
2. Bicycle in the traditional style.
3-5. Fully automated Giant bicycle plant.
3-5. Fully automated Giant bicycle plant.
3-5. Fully automated Giant bicycle plant.
1. A speed bicycle has many different sized gears.
2. Wheels made from steel and plastic.
3. These plastic wheels appeared on the market recently after considerable research.
4. These rubber-covered handlebars protect the body from unexpected bumps, part of the special safety equipment of the BMX bicycle.
5. The foot straps on the pedals of this bicycle prevent slippage, and there is a place to carry a container for water to quench a thirst.
