On Sat, 9 May 2009 13:13:05 -0700, "Skitt"
wrote:

wrote:
John Kane wrote:

A push bike typically refers to bicycle (human powered). I was
talking to a sport shop owner the other day and said that I was in
the shop to look at the push bikes not the motorbikes.

It's not an expression that I see or hear used frequently and I was
wondering if anyone has an idea of the origins of the phrase?

Push bike is a terribly British affectation. In the USA, "bicycle"
has always meant a pedal driven two wheeled vehicle, just as in
German, it has always been a "Fahrrad", whereas in Italy it is a
"bicicletta" unambiguously. In Switzerland the term "Velo" is widely
used although, depending on which of their four languages is local, it
could be German, Italian, French, or Romansch usage.

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/push-bike

Maybe, because of sharp stuff puncturing their tires (tyres, over there),
they had to push them a lot. No?

I would think it would go back to when bicycles did not have chains
and pedals. Forward movement was by pushing with the feet. Here's
one that has to be pushed by the feet:

http://thelongestlistofthelongeststu.../first402.html







--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida