雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals. Riders pushed their feet against the ground to move forward. This was called a 'hobby horse'. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, it was very uncomfortable due to its solid rubber tires and wooden frame. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' was introduced, featuring equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, which made riding much safer and more efficient. This design became the basis for modern bicycles.