Cycling history began in the early 19th century with the invention of the dandy horse, a two-wheeled, pedal-less contraption. In 1865, the first true bicycle, the penny-farthing, was introduced, featuring a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel. This design paved the way for the modern bicycle, which became popular in the late 19th century. The introduction of the safety bicycle in the 1880s, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, made cycling more accessible. By the early 20th century, cycling had evolved into a popular sport, leading to the establishment of events like the Tour de France in 1903, which remains a prestigious race today.