Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. While many people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, its origins actually date back earlier. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'draisine,' was invented in 1817 by a German baron. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede.' However, this design was uncomfortable due to its rigid frame. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling safer and more accessible.