several improvements were made in the 1880s and '90s. in 1885, the safety bicycle was invented. this had two wheels the same size so that the rider could sit at a lower height. it was called the safety bicycle because it much easier to ride than the penny-farthing. when stopping, the rider can simply put down a foot instead of completely dismounting. instead of pedaling and steering with the front wheel, the safety bicycle steers with the front wheel while the pedals turn the back wheel using a chain. brakes operated by hand levers on some bikes also increased safety.