Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. The first pedal-powered bicycle was invented in the 1860s, but it wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' became popular. This design featured two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, making it much safer than the earlier 'penny-farthing' with its huge front wheel. By the early 1900s, bicycles had become a common means of transport for ordinary people, especially in European cities. Interestingly, the rise of the automobile in the 1920s actually led to a decline in bicycle use for commuting, but cycling remained popular as a leisure activity and sport.