Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. While many people assume the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, its origins actually go back further. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a draisine, appeared in 1817 in Germany. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France. However, this design was unstable and difficult to ride. It wasn't until the 1880s, with the invention of the chain drive and pneumatic tires in Britain, that bicycles became safe and popular for everyday use.
❓ According to the lecture, when did bicycles become safe and widely used?