Safety bicycle

[1] Even though modern bicycles use a similar design, the term is rarely used today and is considered obsolete outside circles familiar with high wheelers.

Lawson's safety failed to catch on, perhaps because of its increased cost, weight and complexity compared to the penny-farthing.

[11] The Overman Wheel Company, founded 1882, was the first manufacturer of safety bicycles in the United States, in their factory complex in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

The smaller wheel gave a harsher ride;[16] once pneumatic tires were developed and replaced the previously used solid ones, this disadvantage was no longer an issue.

[17] With the center of mass low and between the wheels, rather than high and over the front hub, the safety bicycle greatly diminished the danger of "taking a header" or long fall over the handlebars.

This made braking more effective and cycling, previously the reserve of spry, daring young men, safer, and therefore much more popular, especially for women.

Compared with the tricycles of the time, popular with riders less willing to take risks, the safety bicycles were lighter, mechanically simpler, and less expensive.