Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although many people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, early prototypes appeared in the 18th century. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'velocipede', was created in 1817 by a German inventor. However, it had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. In the 1860s, French inventors added pedals to the front wheel, which made riding faster but also more dangerous. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling accessible to everyone.
❓ What made the bicycle safer and more popular in the 1880s?
A. A. The addition of pedals to the front wheel
B. B. The invention of the chain drive and equal-sized wheels
C. C. The creation of the first two-wheeled vehicle
D. D. The use of rubber tires for better grip
✅ 正确答案
B. The invention of the chain drive and equal-sized wheels