The bicycle, typically a two-wheeled small land vehicle, is propelled by pedaling and serves as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Since its inception in the 18th century, the bicycle has been beloved by people, becoming the preferred choice for exercise and travel.

Bicycles are characterized by their lack of noise, and pollution, lightweight, simple structure, affordability, and ease of use and maintenance. They serve as both transportation for commuting and carrying goods, as well as tools for physical exercise.

However, the exact origins and evolution of the bicycle are not widely known.

The first practical bicycles appeared in the early 19th century. In 1817, a German named Drais invented a wooden two-wheeled bicycle with a handlebar in Paris, France. This invention quickly gained popularity among Europeans, with various ideal bicycle designs emerging in the 19th century. Initially, larger wheels were believed to result in faster speeds, leading to bicycles with wheels nearly as tall as a person.

At the end of the 18th century, a Frenchman named Sivrac invented the earliest form of bicycle. This wooden bicycle had a simple structure, lacking both a driving mechanism and a steering device. Riders propelled it by pushing with their feet and had to dismount to change direction. Nevertheless, Sivrac's ride through the park on this bicycle astonished and impressed onlookers.

In 1817, a German named Drais invented a wooden two-wheeled bicycle with a handlebar in Paris, France. This bicycle, although still requiring foot pedaling for propulsion, allowed for steering while in motion. Its introduction sparked significant interest, leading to mass production by the French.

The streets of Paris were soon flooded with hundreds and thousands of bicycles. In 1830, the French government even provided bicycles for mail carriers. Subsequently, bicycle technology and performance underwent continuous improvement.

Drais, originally a forest inspector, was inspired by his daily walks from one forest to another to invent a means of transportation. He pondered: wouldn't it be faster if people could sit on wheels?

Thus, Drais began designing and manufacturing bicycles. Using two wooden wheels, a saddle, and handlebars attached to the front wheel for control, he created a velocipede. People sat on the vehicle and propelled the wooden wheels by pushing with their feet. Thus, the world's first practical bicycle was born.

In 1839, a British inventor named Macmillan invented the pedal-driven bicycle, allowing riders to increase speed without touching the ground with their feet.

The Renault bicycle, introduced in 1869, featured a steel frame, steel rims and spokes, and solid tires, making it lighter and more durable.

In 1886, British mechanical engineer Stanley designed a new bicycle style with a diamond-shaped frame, front fork, brakes, and rubber tires, resembling modern bicycles. His innovations in bicycle design and production machinery paved the way for mass production and widespread use, earning him the title "Father of the Bicycle."

In 1887, a British inventor named Lawson completed the design of a chain-driven bicycle, and Dunlop invented pneumatic tires the same year, marking the commercialization of bicycle technology and mass production.

Today, bicycles are not only the most environmentally friendly and convenient means of transportation but also the preferred choice for exercise and leisure activities. They have even become prominent in international sports events, driving mass participation in sports and contributing to economic and tourism development. Let us enjoy the pleasures of slow living under the guidance of bicycles in this rapidly developing era.