In today's lecture, we'll discuss the history of the bicycle. The first pedal-driven bicycle was invented in the 1860s by a French blacksmith named Pierre Michaux. However, it was not until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with two equal-sized wheels became popular, thanks to John Kemp Starley. This design allowed riders to reach the ground with their feet, making it much safer. By the early 20th century, bicycles had become a common mode of transport in European cities. Interestingly, the invention of the pneumatic tire by John Dunlop in 1888 greatly improved comfort and speed, leading to a boom in cycling.
❓ 講義によると、1880年代に「安全自転車」が人気を博した理由は何ですか？
A. A. それはフランス人の鍛冶屋によって発明されました。
B. B. それは同じ大きさの二つの車輪を持ち、乗り手が地面に足を着くことができた。
C. C. それは空気入りタイヤを装備していた。
D. D. それは他の自転車よりも安かった。
✅ 正确答案
B. It had two equal-sized wheels and allowed riders to touch the ground.