Final answer:
Cycling indeed became a significant phenomenon in Europe in the 1880s due to the introduction of the safety bicycle, making it easier and safer for more people to ride.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, cycling became a major phenomenon in Europe in the 1880s. The development of the safety bicycle by John Kemp Starley in 1885 was a pivotal moment. This modern bicycle design featured equal-sized wheels, making it more accessible to a broader range of people including women and children, and causing a surge in cycling's popularity. Additionally, improvements in rubber-production technology enhanced the bicycling experience. The bicycle's newfound safety and ease of use made it a viable competitor against the established railroad transport system.
This new type of bicycle, developed by John Kemp Starley in 1885, had two wheels of equal size and could be ridden by anyone, including women and children. The safety bicycle revolutionized transportation and leisure activities, leading to a surge in popularity of cycling during that time.