雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals; riders pushed their feet along the ground. Later, the 'penny-farthing' became popular in the 1870s, but it was dangerous due to its large front wheel. The modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, emerged in the 1880s. This design made cycling much safer and more accessible, especially for women, who began using bicycles for leisure and transport. By the 1890s, cycling had become a worldwide craze.