雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Early bicycles, developed in the 19th century, had wooden frames and iron tires. The 'penny-farthing', popular in the 1870s, featured a large front wheel and a small rear wheel, which made it difficult to ride safely. In 1885, John Kemp Starley introduced the 'safety bicycle' with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, allowing riders to keep both feet on the ground when stopping. This design greatly improved stability and led to a cycling boom in the 1890s. By the early 20th century, bicycles became a common mode of transport, especially for workers commuting to factories.