Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground to move. This design, called a 'hobby horse', was soon improved. By the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, these were uncomfortable due to their solid rubber tires. In 1885, John Kemp Starley introduced the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels, which became the basis for modern bicycles. Interestingly, the safety bicycle greatly increased the popularity of cycling, especially among women, as it was safer and easier to ride than earlier models.