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 go back further. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'draisine', appeared in 1817 in Germany. However, it had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. In the 1860s, French inventors added pedals to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. But it was uncomfortable due to its rigid frame and wooden wheels. The real breakthrough came in 1885 when John Kemp Starley designed the 'Rover' safety bicycle with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels, making riding much safer and more efficient. This design became the model for modern bicycles.