1. The first bicycle was invented in Germany in 1817 by Karl von Drais. It was a two-wheeled wooden frame with no pedals; riders would push themselves along with their feet.
2. The first pedal-powered bicycle was invented in 1861 by Frenchman Pierre Michaux. The pedals were attached to the front wheel, which made for a bumpy ride. Later designs moved the pedals to the back wheel for a smoother ride.
3. The first true "safety bicycle" was designed in 1885 by Englishman John Kemp Starley. This bike had a similar design to modern bicycles, with a chain-driven rear wheel and a smaller front wheel.
4. The Tour de France, one of the world's most famous bicycle races, was first held in 1903. It is a grueling three-week race covering over 2,000 miles through the French countryside.
5. Bicycles were used in both World War I and World War II for reconnaissance and transportation. Bikes were often preferred over motor vehicles because they were quieter and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
6. According to a recent report from the European Cyclists Federation, bicycles outnumber cars in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In the Netherlands in particular, bikes make up 27% of all trips taken, compared to just 7% in the United States.
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