Why was the engineering solution of the safety bicycle described as solving a fundamental paradox?

It offered speed and range without demanding a constant gamble with injury

The fundamental paradox that plagued early cycling designs was the conflict between achieving desirable speed and maintaining safety for the average user. The Penny-Farthing offered speed but demanded constant, severe risk of injury (the gamble). Earlier designs prioritized practicality but lacked necessary speed. The safety bicycle, specifically through the chain drive coupled with equal-sized wheels, solved this paradox. It achieved speed through mechanical advantage, allowing the rider to cover significant distances efficiently while maintaining a low center of gravity, meaning the vehicle offered the required speed and range without demanding the constant threat of broken bones or severe falls associated with the high-wheel era.