A – The earliest successful two-wheeled vehicle was introduced by the German inventor Karl Drais in 1817. Known as the “running machine,” it had a wooden frame, two wheels and a handlebar for steering. However, it did not have pedals. Riders sat on a seat and pushed themselves forward with their feet. Drais demonstrated that a person could balance on two wheels arranged in a line, although the machine was difficult to use on the rough roads of the period. It attracted considerable public attention, but its popularity was brief because several cities prohibited people from riding it on crowded pavements.

B – During the 1860s, bicycle makers in France began attaching pedals directly to the front wheel. These machines became known as velocipedes. They allowed riders to travel faster than the earlier running machines, but they were not particularly comfortable. Their wooden wheels were later covered with iron, and every bump in the road was transferred directly to the rider. This uncomfortable experience led to the nickname “boneshaker.” Despite this disadvantage, velocipedes became fashionable among wealthy young men, and indoor riding schools opened in several European cities.

C – Manufacturers continued experimenting with wheel size because each turn of the pedals moved the bicycle only as far as the front wheel could travel. By making the front wheel much larger, designers enabled riders to cover a greater distance with every turn. The resulting high-wheeled bicycle became popular during the 1870s. It was fast and visually impressive, but it was also dangerous. The rider sat high above the ground, directly over the large front wheel. If the wheel struck a stone or stopped suddenly, the rider could be thrown forwards. Consequently, these bicycles were mainly used by confident young men and competitive riders.

D – A major improvement appeared during the 1880s with the introduction of the safety bicycle. Its two wheels were similar in size, and a chain transferred power from the pedals to the rear wheel. This allowed the rider to sit much closer to the ground, reducing the risk of being thrown forwards. The new design also included more reliable brakes and a frame that provided greater stability. Further progress came when air-filled rubber tyres replaced solid ones. The air inside the tyres absorbed much of the shock caused by uneven roads, making journeys considerably more comfortable.

E – The safety bicycle was easier to control and eventually became affordable to a much wider section of society. Workers could travel farther from their homes to find employment, while people living in rural communities gained easier access to nearby towns. Cycling also created new commercial opportunities. Repair shops, bicycle manufacturers and roadside cafés appeared along popular routes. The bicycle had a particularly important effect on women’s mobility. It gave many women greater independence, although their long and heavy clothing made riding difficult. This encouraged the adoption of simpler and more practical garments, despite criticism from people who opposed changes in women’s fashion.

F – At the beginning of the twentieth century, improvements in mass production reduced the cost of bicycles. However, as cars became more widely available, cycling declined in several industrialised countries. Roads were increasingly designed for motor vehicles, and the bicycle was often viewed as an outdated form of transport. Interest began to return during the 1970s, when rising fuel prices made car travel more expensive. Concerns about air pollution and an increasing awareness of physical fitness also encouraged people to start cycling again. Many cities subsequently began constructing dedicated cycle routes.

G – Modern bicycles retain the basic arrangement of the safety bicycle, but advances in technology have made them lighter and more specialised. Manufacturers now use materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Mountain bikes have strong frames and wide tyres for uneven ground, while racing bicycles are designed to reduce air resistance. Electric bicycles have also become increasingly common. Their motors assist rather than completely replace the rider’s effort, enabling people to travel longer distances or climb steep hills. Despite competition from cars and public transport, the bicycle remains one of the most energy-efficient forms of personal transportation.