雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today's lecture is about the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, pedals were added to the front wheel, but this design was unstable. In the 1880s, the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling safer and more accessible. Interestingly, the bicycle's popularity soared in the 1890s, especially among women, as it offered a new sense of freedom. However, the rise of automobiles in the early 20th century led to a decline in bicycle use for transportation, though it remained a popular leisure activity.