Who was the original inventor of the bicycle?

The original inventor of the bicycle is often credited to Baron Karl von Drais, a German inventor who created the "laufmaschine" or "running machine" in 1817. This early form of the bicycle was a two-wheeled, human-powered device that allowed the rider to push off the ground with their feet. While it lacked pedals, Drais's invention laid the groundwork for the development of modern bicycles. Subsequent innovations in the 19th century led to the introduction of pedals and other advancements.