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Events on Saturday 17 January 1818 1
1818Karl Drais patents the LaufmaschineEarly bicycle precursor granted a patent in BadenKarl von Drais received a patent from the Grand Duchy of Baden for his steerable, two-wheeled "Laufmaschine," a pedal-less riding machine propelled by pushing off the ground. It is widely regarded as the forerunner of the modern bicycle. Drais had first demonstrated the device in Mannheim the previous year.