Why were bikes so popular in the late 1800s?

Bikes gained immense popularity in the late 1800s due to advancements in technology, such as the invention of the safety bicycle, which featured a more stable and comfortable design. The development of pneumatic tires improved ride quality, making cycling more enjoyable. Additionally, bicycles offered a sense of freedom and independence, enabling people to travel greater distances easily. This newfound mobility appealed to a growing urban population and contributed to the rise of cycling as a popular form of recreation and transportation.