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EnglishThe development of the bicycle can be traced back to the early 19th century when various designs of two-wheeled vehicles began to emerge. However, the invention of the pedal-driven bicycle is usually credited to Karl Drais, a German inventor who created a machine called the "running machine" in 1817. This device was propelled by the rider pushing their feet against the ground, rather than pedaling.
In the 1860s, a number of inventors began to develop pedal-driven bicycles, including the Frenchman Pierre Lallement and the Englishman Thomas McCall, who both received patents for their designs in 1866. The first commercially successful pedal-driven bicycle was created by the Englishman James Starley in 1870. His "Ariel" bicycle featured a large front wheel and a small rear wheel, a design that became known as the "ordinary" or "high-wheeler" bicycle.
In the 1880s, the design of the bicycle began to evolve, with the development of the "safety" bicycle. This new design featured two wheels of equal size, a chain drive system, and a lower center of gravity, making it much safer and easier to ride than the high-wheeler. The safety bicycle quickly became popular, and by the turn of the century, bicycles had become a common mode of transportation for people all over the world.
Throughout the 20th century, bicycles continued to evolve, with new materials, technologies, and designs being introduced. In the 1950s and 60s, the development of lightweight frames and components led to the popularity of road racing bicycles. In the 1970s and 80s, the mountain bike was invented, allowing cyclists to explore off-road trails and rugged terrain.
Today, bicycles are used for a wide range of purposes, including transportation, recreation, exercise, and competition. The development of electric bicycles has also made cycling more accessible to people who may not have the physical ability to ride a traditional bicycle.
