Who invented the bicycle and when?

The invention of the bicycle is attributed to Baron Karl von Drais, a German inventor, who introduced the “laufmaschine” (running machine) in 1817. This early version of the bicycle was a two-wheeled, human-propelled vehicle with no pedals. In the 1860s, French blacksmith Pierre Michaux added pedals to the front wheel, creating the first pedal-powered bicycle. The bicycle continued to evolve with the introduction of the chain and gear systems in the late 19th century, leading to the modern design we use today. The bicycle has since become one of the most widely used forms of transportation worldwide.