Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, many people believe the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, but actually, early versions appeared in the 18th century. One of the first was the 'celerifere', invented in France in 1790. It had no pedals, and riders pushed their feet along the ground. Later, in 1817, a German inventor added a steering mechanism, which made turning easier. However, it wasn't until the 1860s that pedals were attached to the front wheel, creating the first true bicycle. Interestingly, the invention of the safety bicycle in the 1880s, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, made cycling much safer and more popular, especially among women.
❓ What was the main improvement of the safety bicycle in the 1880s?
A. It had a steering mechanism for easier turning.
B. It had two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, making it safer.
C. It was the first bicycle to have pedals attached to the front wheel.
D. It was lighter and easier to push along the ground.
✅ 正确答案
It had two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, making it safer.