Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although early prototypes appeared in the 19th century, the modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, was developed in the 1880s. This design made cycling much safer and more accessible, especially for women, who began using bicycles as a means of independent transportation. Interestingly, the bicycle boom of the 1890s also influenced fashion, leading to more practical clothing. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that bicycles became widely used for recreational purposes in many countries. So, while the basic design has remained largely unchanged for over a century, its social impact has evolved significantly.