The bicycle was not invented in a single moment, but evolved in several stages: • 1817: The first precursor—the pedal-less bicycle, or “draisienne”—was designed by the German Karl Drais. It was made of wood and had no pedals; the rider propelled it forward by pushing off with their feet. • 1860s: Frenchman Pierre Michaux added pedals and a crank mechanism to the front wheel, creating the so-called “leg-shaker.” • 1870s: The high-wheeler (or velocipede) became popular, featuring a very large front wheel. • 1885: The modern “safety bicycle” was created by the British inventor John Kemp Starley. It had two wheels of equal size, a chain drive, and a diamond-shaped frame—a design similar to today’s bicycles.
