The history of the bicycle By Octurne Period: 1817 to 1817 BCE Karl Drais invented the first bicycle in 1817. Period: 1871 to 1871 In 1871, Eugène Meyer invented the “high wheel bicycle”. Period: 1885 to 1885 John Starley changed the bicycle in 1885 This bike looked similar to the bicycles of today. Period: 1888 to 1888 In 1888, John Dunlop invented a type of tyre Dunlop tyres were made of rubber