Rahmi M. Koç Museum Publishes “From Pedals to Motors”

Rahmi M. Koç Museum Publishes “From Pedals to Motors” Exploring the History of Two-Wheeled Transport

The Rahmi M. Koç Museum has introduced a new publication titled From Pedals to Motors, bringing together the rich history of bicycles and motorcycles through a comprehensive cultural and industrial perspective. The book highlights the evolution of two-wheeled transportation, combining engineering, design, and social history in a single volume.

Published by Türkiye’s first and only industrial museum, the book draws on the museum’s extensive collection of more than 15,000 objects, focusing on historically significant bicycles and motorcycles from different eras. Beyond their technical development, the vehicles are examined as symbols of changing lifestyles, mobility culture, and personal passion.

A journey through the evolution of bicycles and motorcycles

From Pedals to Motors traces the development of two-wheeled vehicles from the 1819 Johnson Hobby Horse — an early pedal-less bicycle propelled by pushing feet against the ground — to modern motorcycle engineering.

The publication explores the transformation of bicycles over time and the emergence of motorcycles through the integration of motor technology into bicycle frames. Rich visual archives and detailed editorial content guide readers through the technological and cultural milestones of the industry.

The book also includes articles by museum specialists, alongside contributions on bicycle collecting by Daniel Ward and motorcycle design history by Associate Professor Dr Aykut Coşkun from Koç University’s Department of Media and Visual Arts.

Rahmi M. Koç shares personal memories

The foreword of the book was written by Rahmi M. Koç, founder of the museum, who reflected on his lifelong connection with bicycles.

Koç recalled that his first bicycle was a three-wheeled orange model bought by his mother in Ankara in 1936. Sharing memories from his childhood summers, he noted that he owned three bicycles throughout his life and never used a scooter.

A valuable source for industrial and cultural history

Coordinated by Rahmi M. Koç Museum General Manager Mine Sofuoğlu, the 234-page publication stands out as both a visual archive and a reference work for readers interested in industrial history, transportation culture, and design evolution.

From Pedals to Motors is now available at Rahmi M. Koç Museums and Yapı Kredi Culture Publishing sales points.