雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, most people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, but its origins actually go back further. The first two-wheeled vehicle, called a draisine, was created by a German baron, Karl von Drais, in 1817. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel in France, leading to the 'boneshaker'. However, the major breakthrough came in 1885 when John Kemp Starley introduced the 'Rover' safety bicycle, which had a chain-driven rear wheel and equal-sized wheels, making it much safer and more practical. This design became the basis for modern bicycles.