雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, many people assume that the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, and that's partly true. However, the first two-wheeled, pedal-less vehicle appeared in 1817, invented by a German baron. It was called a 'running machine' because riders pushed their feet along the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France, and this design became popular. But it wasn't until the 1880s that the chain drive and pneumatic tires were introduced, making bicycles much safer and more comfortable. So, the key point is that the modern bicycle evolved over several decades.