A major disadvantage of the Ordinary was the ease with which a 'header' could occur. The Star shown descending the Capitol steps in 1884 provided one solution to this problem. This bike also has lever operated rear wheel drive. Mounting appears

to be a problem, even if the probability of an unintentional dismount has been reduced!

A new idea was needed and the Safety (1885-1900) was the answer.

From: David V. Herlihy, "The Bicycle Story,"
Invention and Technology, Spring 1992, p 48