雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to look at the history of the bicycle, focusing on how it became popular among ordinary people. In the late 19th century, the 'penny-farthing' was common among wealthy young men, but it was dangerous because of its large front wheel. The breakthrough came in 1885 with the 'safety bicycle', which had two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive. This design was much more stable and easier to ride. By the 1890s, mass production made bicycles affordable, and they became a practical means of transport for workers, especially in cities. Interestingly, the bicycle also played a role in the women's rights movement, as it gave women greater freedom to travel independently.