What impact did the invention of the bicycle have?

Answer 1

Nothing really.

One could imagine that it would have replaced horses, but horses were expensive, and not many had their own horse for simply riding around on.

The bicycle, once the chain-driven "Safety Bike" went into mass production eventually became the first widely affordable means of personal transportation.

At a push I guess you could say that bicycle riding partially replaced walking for personal transportation.

Answer 2

The bicycle was the first affordable means of personal transportation. It allowed people to work, study and socialize outside walking distance from their homes.

Answer 3

The bicycle was the first affordable means of personal transportation, allowing people to work, study and socialize outside walking distance of their homes.

Answer 4

The bicycle was the first affordable method of personal transportation, making it possible for people to work, study and socialize outside walking distance from their homes.