1819The bicycle was patented by W.K. Clarkson Jr. of New York. However, the first modern bicycle was invented by a German, Karl Drais. His walking machine, the “draisienne,” was invented largely because of transportation issues caused by horse starvation. Also known as the “hobby horse,” his machine had two in-line wheels with front-wheel steering; riders straddled the frame while walking forward and were able to coast forward with ease down a hill.1997The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state laws that …