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.
❓ Что сделало «безопасный велосипед» 1880-х годов более популярным, чем более ранние модели?
A. У него были деревянные колёса и не было тормозов.
B. Его изобрёл французский кузнец.
C. Она имела цепной привод и колёса одинакового размера для лучшей устойчивости.
D. Оно было массово произведено и дёшево для рабочего класса.
✅ 正确答案
It had a chain drive and equal-sized wheels for better stability.