James Starley was an English inventor and engineer, born in 1831. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of the bicycle. Starley designed the penny-farthing, a type of bicycle that featured a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel, which became popular in the late 19th century. In addition to his work on bicycles, Starley founded the Starley & Co. company, which played a crucial role in the bicycle manufacturing industry. His innovations in bicycle design and engineering helped lay the groundwork for modern cycling, making him a key figure in the history of transportation.