A bicycle is a two-wheeled, steerable machine powered by foot pedals and controlled with handlebars. It’s often described as a “people’s nag,” and it was for good reason: inexpensive, easy to maintain, and fast enough to displace carriages and horses in city streets, the bicycle revolutionized transportation.

The earliest bicycles were made of wood or bone and were very heavy, but a French blacksmith named Aime Olivier improved the design by using pedal cranks to power a wheel mounted above the rider’s seat. This new system, which also allowed the rider to steer by leaning and turning the handlebars, led to a new bicycle craze in France. Blacksmiths around the country quickly began forming companies to make these velocipedes.

Historians generally agree that there is no one person who can be credited with inventing the modern bicycle. However, a man from Coventry, England named James Kemp Starley developed an improved version of his uncle’s penny-farthing in the 1870s, and in 1885 he created what is now known as the Rover safety bicycle. This is a more streamlined, stable and safer machine than the earlier models, and it’s the type of bike that most people today think of when they hear the word bicycle.

While it’s true that there are a few cyclists who use their bikes for sport, most use them as a way to get from point A to point B cheaply and easily. Bicycling provides a great deal of exercise, and it’s very effective at burning calories. Additionally, cycling doesn’t produce any harmful emissions, and it cuts back on the noise pollution caused by cars.

Bicycles are extremely durable, and they don’t require any expensive maintenance. Whether you’re riding your bicycle on the highway or a rural trail, it’s important to wear a helmet and to always be aware of your surroundings. It’s also a good idea to wear bright clothing when you ride, especially during the day. If you ride your bike on a busy road, you should use reflectors to increase your visibility.

Many cyclists like to describe their experiences in writing, and it’s a great way to share the joy of this popular activity with others. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, if your writing focuses on aspects of cycling, you should consider writing for a magazine that caters to your audience. There are a number of magazines and newspapers that specialize in covering this niche, including the British Cycling Association. They offer a variety of free resources for cyclists, and they provide helpful information about different types of bikes and equipment. They can also help you find local groups of cyclists to join. You can also sign up for their free newsletter to learn more about current cycling news and events.