Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, many people believe that the first bicycle was invented in the 19th century, but in fact, a similar two-wheeled device appeared in China around 200 BC. However, the modern bicycle as we know it emerged in Europe in the 1830s. The key improvement came in 1885 when a British engineer, John Kemp Starley, introduced the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and equal-sized wheels. This design made cycling much safer and more popular, especially among women, because it allowed them to ride without wearing restrictive clothing. By 1900, bicycles had become a common means of transport in many cities.