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.
❓ ¿Qué hizo que la bicicleta se volviera popular entre el público en general en la década de 1880?
A. A) La adición de pedales a la rueda delantera
B. B) El uso de marcos de madera y llantas de hierro
C. C) La introducción de ruedas de igual tamaño y una transmisión por cadena
D. D) La invención de la draisina en Alemania
✅ 正确答案
C) The introduction of equal-sized wheels and a chain drive