The bicycle, a major invention of the 19th century, revolutionized transportation around the world. In its early days, the first models, called balance bikes, had no pedals and were powered by the feet on the ground. It wasn't until the 1860s that bicycle pioneers began incorporating pedals, giving rise to the modern bicycle we know today.

Over the decades, the bicycle has undergone remarkable technical evolution, with constant innovations in design, materials, performance, and safety. Mass production, which emerged in the late 19th century, made the bicycle accessible to the general public, fostering its widespread adoption as a means of transportation. By the early 20th century, the bicycle had become popular not only for daily commuting but also for leisure, tourism, and competitive sports, contributing to the rise of cycling.

Today, bicycles come in a wide variety of types adapted to specific uses: road bikes for speed, mountain bikes for rough terrain, folding bikes for city dwellers, and electric bikes for easier urban travel. More than just a means of transportation, the bicycle is now a powerful symbol of sustainable and ecological mobility. Faced with environmental challenges and the growing desire to reduce their carbon footprint, more and more people are adopting bicycles for their daily commutes, thus combining health, economy, and respect for the planet.

This ongoing evolution makes cycling a key element of tomorrow's smart cities, a mode of transport that is practical, healthy and environmentally friendly.