Who designed the Rover Safety Bicycle, introduced in 1885?

John Kemp Starley designed the Rover Safety Bicycle, introduced in 1885.

Starley's Rover used the layout that became characteristic of the modern bicycle: two similarly sized wheels, a diamond-shaped frame, rear-wheel drive by chain, and steering through the front fork. Its design was substantially easier and safer to ride than the tall penny-farthing bicycles popular earlier in the century.

The bicycle was produced by Starley's Coventry-based company, initially known as J. K. Starley & Co. and later associated with Rover. The name “safety bicycle” reflected its lower riding position and greater stability compared with high-wheel machines.

John Kemp Starley was the nephew of James Starley, another important bicycle pioneer. They are sometimes confused, but the 1885 Rover Safety Bicycle is specifically associated with John Kemp Starley. Its basic configuration remains the foundation of most conventional bicycles.