雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, most people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, but its origins actually go back further. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'draisine', was created by Baron Karl von Drais in 1817. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, this design was uncomfortable because of its solid rubber tires and rough ride. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling much safer and more accessible to the general public.