The first mechanical bicycle is claimed to be introduced
in 1839, and in the decades after, recreational bicycling
became popular, particularly after the invention of the
“safety bicycles” in 1896. The first bicycle touring club was
formed in 1878, at a time when bicycling offered new flexibility
and accessibility. Cars led to a decline in bicycle touring,
but it was reintroduced with a health, experience, and
nature agenda in the 1960s. Many destinations have developed
and institutionalized bicycle tourism and ensured safe
and convenient infrastructures for that purpose.