The first bicycle called a "safety" was designed in 1876 by English engineer Harry John. Earlier two-person bicycles had also been described as safe, such as "The Companion" built in the 1890s. These bicycles, despite their name, were popular with various trades in the early 20th century particularly in the UK. In the early 1990s, Shimano introduced dual-control braking systems with their Shimano Total Integration technology. City bikes use durable frames from mountain bikes to handle urban hazards, and some models have lower frames to accommodate skirts.

1. The first bicycle to be called a
"safety" was designed by the
English engineer Harry John
1876, although other bicycles
which fit the description had
been developed earlier, such as

2. "The Companion", or "Sociable," a side-by-side two-person bike (that converted
to a single-rider) built by the Punnett Cycle Mfg. Co. in Rochester, N.Y. in the
1890s.

4. Despite the name, these were popular with wide variety of trades during the first half of
the 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom.

5. In the early 1990s, Shimano introduced dual-control
with a system called Shimano Total
Integration (STI).

6. This is a type intended for use by females, with a lowered top tube due to consideration
for skirts.

7. Using a sturdy welded chromoly or aluminum frame derived from the mountain
bike, the city bike is more capable at handling urban hazards such as deep