A well-known theory about the origin of the bicycle features the eruption of a volcano in Indonesia. Because of this natural disaster, 1816 becomes known as the 'year without summer'. Crops fail worldwide and grain prices rise sharply. As there is no food for the draught animals, another way of transport must be found. One of the first designs for the walking bike was made in 1817 by the German Karl von Drais, hence the name draisine. It is fondly called the Hobby Horse, because the first walking bikes were often adorned with a horse’s head.