Good morning. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, called the 'draisine', was invented in 1817 by a German baron. 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 very uncomfortable due to its solid rubber tires and wooden frame. The 'high wheeler' or 'penny-farthing' followed in the 1870s, with a large front wheel for speed. But it was dangerous because riders sat high above the ground. Finally, in 1885, the 'safety bicycle' with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive was introduced, making cycling much safer and more popular.
❓ В чем была основная проблема велосипеда «пенни-фартинг»?
A. A. У него не было педалей, и он был медленным.
B. B. Это было неудобно из-за сплошных резиновых шин.
C. C. Это было опасно, потому что всадник сидел очень высоко.
D. D. Он был слишком тяжёлым из-за своей деревянной рамы.
✅ 正确答案
C. It was dangerous because the rider sat very high.