雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Today I'd like to discuss the history of the bicycle. While many people think of the bicycle as a relatively modern invention, its origins actually date back to the early 19th century. The first two-wheeled device, called the 'hobby horse', was invented in 1817 by a German baron. It had no pedals; riders pushed themselves along with their feet. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France, creating the 'velocipede'. However, this design was uncomfortable and difficult to ride. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels was developed in England, making cycling much safer and more popular.