雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, you might think that bicycles have always been popular, but in the early 19th century, they were actually seen as a dangerous novelty. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called the 'Draisine', was invented in 1817 by a German baron. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. It wasn't until the 1860s that pedals were added to the front wheel. However, these early 'boneshakers' were very uncomfortable. It was only in the 1880s, with the invention of the chain drive and the safety bicycle, that cycling became a practical mode of transport for the general public.