Today we're going to discuss 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, making it faster but also more dangerous. The 'safety bicycle' emerged in the 1880s, featuring two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, which greatly improved stability. This design became hugely popular, and by the 1890s, cycling had become a common leisure activity for both men and women. The key innovation that made cycling safer was the chain drive system.