In today's lecture, we'll discuss the history of the bicycle. The first pedal-powered bicycle was invented in the 1860s, but it had a huge front wheel and a small rear wheel, which made it difficult to ride. In 1885, John Kemp Starley introduced the 'safety bicycle' with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, making it much safer and more practical. This design quickly became popular, and by the 1890s, bicycles were widely used for transportation and leisure. Interestingly, the safety bicycle also played a role in women's liberation, as it gave women greater mobility and independence.
❓ What was the main advantage of the safety bicycle introduced in 1885?
A. A. It was lighter than earlier models.
B. B. It had a larger front wheel for speed.
C. C. It was safer and easier to ride due to equal-sized wheels and a chain drive.
D. D. It was the first bicycle to have pedals.
✅ 正确答案
C. It was safer and easier to ride due to equal-sized wheels and a chain drive.