雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although many people think of the bicycle as a relatively modern invention, its origins date back to the early 19th century. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'hobby horse', was invented in 1817 by a German baron. It had no pedals, and riders pushed themselves along with their feet. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'boneshaker'. However, it was not until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling much safer and more accessible to the general public.