In today's lecture, we'll discuss the history of the bicycle. The first pedal-powered bicycle was invented in the 1860s by a French blacksmith named Pierre Michaux. However, it had wooden wheels and no brakes, making it dangerous. In the 1880s, the 'safety bicycle' introduced chain drive and equal-sized wheels, which greatly improved stability. This design became popular among women because it allowed them to ride in long skirts. By the early 20th century, bicycles were mass-produced and became affordable for the working class, leading to a boom in cycling as both transport and leisure.
❓ 1880年代の「安全自転車」が、それ以前のモデルよりも人気を博した理由は何でしょうか。
A. それは木製の車輪で、ブレーキがありませんでした。
B. それはフランス人の鍛冶屋によって発明されました。
C. チェーン駆動と、安定性を高めるための同じ大きさの車輪を備えていた。
D. 大量生産され、労働者階級にとって安価だった。
✅ 正确答案
It had a chain drive and equal-sized wheels for better stability.