雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. 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 the 'draisine' or 'running machine', was invented by Karl von Drais in 1817. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground to move forward. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, this design was uncomfortable due to its solid rubber tires and rigid frame. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling safer and more accessible to the general public.