Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. While many people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, its earliest form actually appeared in the 18th century. In 1817, a German inventor created a wooden, two-wheeled device called the 'running machine'. However, it wasn't until the 1860s that pedals were added, making it more practical. By the late 1880s, the modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, became popular. This design greatly increased the bicycle's popularity, especially among women, as it was safer and easier to ride than earlier high-wheel versions.
❓ According to the lecture, what made the bicycle popular among women in the late 1880s?
A. A. The addition of pedals
B. B. The wooden frame
C. C. The safety design with equal wheels and chain drive
D. D. The invention of the running machine
✅ 正确答案
C. The safety design with equal wheels and chain drive