雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, you might think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, and you'd be right. However, the first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'velocipede', appeared in France in the 1860s. It had pedals attached to the front wheel, but no brakes. Later, in the 1870s, British inventors added rubber tires and a chain drive, making the ride smoother. By the 1890s, the 'safety bicycle' with two equal-sized wheels became popular, especially among women, as it allowed for easier movement in long skirts. So, the key improvement in the 1870s was not just the rubber tires, but also the introduction of the chain, which increased speed and efficiency.