雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although many people assume the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, its origins actually go back further. The first known two-wheeled vehicle, called a draisine, appeared in 1817 in Germany. It was made of wood and had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground to move. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France. However, it was not until the 1880s that the chain drive and pneumatic tires were introduced, making bicycles safer and more comfortable. This led to a boom in cycling popularity, especially among women, as it provided affordable personal transport.