雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although many people attribute its invention to the 19th century, the first two-wheeled vehicle appeared in 1817, invented by Karl Drais. It was called a 'running machine' because riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, leading to the penny-farthing. However, this design was unsafe due to its high center of gravity. The modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, emerged in the 1880s and became widely popular, especially among women who gained new mobility.