Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Early bicycles, called 'velocipedes', appeared in the early 19th century, but they were heavy and difficult to steer. In the 1870s, the 'penny-farthing' became popular, with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. However, it was dangerous because riders sat high above the ground. The modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, was introduced in the 1880s. This design made cycling much safer and more accessible, leading to a boom in popularity among both men and women.