雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today's lecture is about the history of the bicycle. The earliest bicycles, called 'hobby horses,' appeared in the early 19th century and had no pedals. Riders pushed themselves along with their feet. Later, in the 1860s, the 'penny-farthing' was invented, with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. However, it was dangerous because riders sat high above the ground. The modern safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, was developed in the 1880s. This design made cycling much safer and more popular, especially among women, as it allowed them to ride in ordinary clothing.