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. By the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, which made riding faster but also more dangerous. In 1885, the 'safety bicycle' was introduced with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels, making it much more stable. This design quickly became popular, and by the 1890s, cycling had become a common leisure activity for both men and women. Interestingly, the invention of the pneumatic tire in 1888 greatly improved comfort, but it was originally developed for bicycles, not cars.
❓ What was a major advantage of the 'safety bicycle' introduced in 1885?