In 1817, Karl Drais invented the first practical bicycle, known as the Laufmaschine or running machine, which was a precursor to modern bicycles. This two-wheeled contraption allowed riders to propel themselves by pushing their feet against the ground, marking a significant advancement in personal transportation. The invention laid the groundwork for future developments in cycling technology and contributed to the evolution of transportation methods in the 19th century.

The bicycle became a symbol of freedom and exploration, influencing poets to write about travel, adventure, and the human experience. In the late 19th century, poets like Walt Whitman celebrated the bicycle as a means of personal liberation and connection to nature.