In today's lecture, we'll discuss the history of the bicycle. The first practical bicycle, called the 'draisine', was invented in Germany in 1817 by Karl von Drais. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. In the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, creating the 'velocipede'. However, it was nicknamed the 'boneshaker' due to its uncomfortable ride on cobblestone streets. Later, in the 1880s, the 'safety bicycle' was introduced with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, making it much safer and more popular. This design is the basis for modern bicycles.
❓ 「安全自転車」が初期のモデルよりも人気を博した主な理由は何でしたか？
A. A. それは以前の自転車よりも軽く、速かった。
B. B. より快適なシートと、より柔らかいタイヤを備えていた。
C. C. 均等なサイズの車輪とチェーン駆動のおかげで、より安全だった。
D. D. それはベロシペードよりも製造コストが安かった。
✅ 正确答案
C. It was safer because of its equal-sized wheels and chain drive.