"First used in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, then by both sides in the Boer War, they were widely adopted throughout Europe before the First World War. In the Second World War, the Japanese used over fifty thousand bicycles in the conquest of Malaya and the German army used over three million, relying on them increasingly as petrol shortages immobilized motor transport. The Allies made famous use of them in Operation Market Garden and in Normandy. Specialized military bikes, collapsible for use by parachutists, are still being made for Special Forces units. John Norris examines the whole history of pedal powered warfare and illustrates it with an array of high-quality photos." -- From the publisher's book-jacket.

The idea takes shape --Armies find their wheels 1888-1941 -- Tyre treads 1914-18 -- Wheels and wings -- The Great War continues -- Other services needed bicycles -- Other services needed bicycles -- Evacuation of the wounded -- America fights and the end of the war -- The wheels turn again 1930-45 -- Wheels turn west : Blitzkrieg 1940 -- Hilter's allies -- Britain stand alone -- The wheels move east : other theatres of war -- Second front : the allies return to Europe -- The Battle for Berlin -- Wheels in the Cold War -- A modern trend.