James Starley's Rover Safety Bike
James Starley’s Rover Safety bicycle in 1883 brought the development of the bicycle a little bit farther. On his bikes the front and back wheels were almost the same size. The wheels were small compared to that of the High-wheeler, but could travel just as fast because it had the back wheel had gears. Also because it was low to the ground the rider could sit on it without difficulty. Women also became very excited about these stable bikes. Although ladies bikes had a lower cross bar to allow the skirts to be worn, many ladies preferred to where split skirts that were called Bloomers.