2) Laufmaschine and Draisine: In 1817, Karl Drais, a German baron, invented the Laufmaschine, also known as the Draisine or "running machine." It had two wheels in line and was propelled by the rider pushing off from the ground with their feet.
3) Pedal Bicycle: In the 1860s, the next major development occurred with the addition of pedals and cranks to the front wheel. This design, known as the pedal bicycle or velocipede, allowed riders to propel themselves using the pedals instead of the ground.
4) Penny-Farthing: The next significant advancement was the Penny-Farthing or high-wheel bicycle, which became popular in the 1870s. It had a large front wheel for greater speed, but its design made mounting and dismounting challenging.
5) Safety Bicycle: The safety bicycle, introduced in the late 1880s, resembled the modern bicycle more closely. It had two wheels of the same size, a chain drive system, and a lower center of gravity, making it safer and more comfortable to ride.
6) 20th Century Innovations: Throughout the 20th century, bicycles saw various technological advancements, including the addition of gears, coaster brakes, pneumatic tires, and lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber.
7) Modern Bicycles: Today, bicycles come in various designs, including mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bikes. They continue to evolve with features such as disc brakes, suspension systems, and electronic shifting.
Bicycles have played a significant role in transportation, recreation, and sports, and continue to be popular worldwide for their efficiency, eco-friendliness, and health benefits.
