The first rudimentary bikes were designed in Europe during the 19th century. Called swift walkers, these bicycles were made of wood.
The first pedal cycle was created in 1839 in Scotland. Scottish blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan designed a bicycle that he could ride 140 miles with an average speed of 8 mph. Another version of the pedal bicycle called the velocipede was introduced in Paris in 1861.
These were popular in 1870. It was referred to as the high-wheeler or penny-farthing. Despite the fact that it was prone to accidents, it also was popular.
The first chain-driven bike was introduced in 1874 by H.J. Lawson. It was easier to stop and more stable than the high-wheeler. However, it was criticized because riders ended up with muddy feet because the pedals were so low to the ground. Further adaptations to the bike frame in 1885 by John K. Starley addressed this problem.
By 1893, bikes had become an efficient and easy-to-use mode of transportation, says "Cycling Britain" author Etain O'Carroll