Today's lecture is about the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals and was pushed along by the rider's feet. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, which made riding faster but also more dangerous. The modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, appeared in the 1880s. This design allowed riders to sit lower and brake more effectively, making it much safer. Interestingly, the safety bicycle also influenced women's fashion, as it encouraged more practical clothing.