雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. While many people assume the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, its origins actually go back further. The first two-wheeled, pedal-less vehicle, called a draisine, appeared in 1817 in Germany. It was propelled by pushing feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France. However, these early bicycles were difficult to ride because of their heavy wooden frames and lack of rubber tires. It wasn't until the 1880s, with the introduction of the safety bicycle featuring equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, that cycling became popular among the general public. This design, combined with pneumatic tires, made rides smoother and safer.