Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although many people think of the bicycle as a relatively modern invention, its origins date back to the early 19th century. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'draisine' or 'hobby horse', was invented by Karl von Drais in 1817. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground to move forward. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'boneshaker'. However, it was the invention of the chain drive in the 1880s that made bicycles safer and more efficient, leading to the 'safety bicycle' we recognize today.