雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

In today's lecture, we'll discuss the history of the bicycle. The first major innovation came in 1817, when Karl Drais invented a two-wheeled 'running machine' without pedals. Then, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, this design was uncomfortable and hard to ride. The breakthrough occurred in 1885 when John Kemp Starley introduced the 'safety bicycle' with a chain-driven rear wheel and equal-sized wheels. This design became the basis for modern bicycles. Interestingly, the safety bicycle's popularity also led to changes in women's fashion, as it made cycling accessible to women who wore skirts.