雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Although many people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, its origins actually go back further. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a 'draisine', was invented by a German baron in 1817. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, this design was uncomfortable due to its rigid frame and wooden wheels. It wasn't until the 1880s that the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling much safer and more practical for ordinary people.