雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today's lecture is about the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals and was pushed along by the rider's feet. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, making the ride faster but also more dangerous. The invention of the chain drive in the 1880s allowed the wheels to be equal in size, improving stability. Interestingly, the safety bicycle, as it was called, became popular among women because it allowed them to ride comfortably in long skirts. However, it was not until the 20th century that bicycles became widely used for transportation and recreation.