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.
❓ 1885年に導入された安全自転車の主な利点は何でしたか？
A. A. より快適な座席がありました。
B. B. それはペダル付きの最初の自転車でした。
C. C. それはチェーン駆動の後輪と同一サイズの車輪を採用しており、より安全で安定性が高かった。
D. D. それはより軽く、そして生産コストがより安かった。
✅ 正确答案
C. It used a chain-driven rear wheel and equal-sized wheels, making it safer and more stable.