Today we're going to discuss 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, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, but this design was unstable. By the 1880s, the 'safety bicycle' with a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels became popular, making cycling safer and more accessible. Interestingly, the bicycle's popularity grew not only for leisure but also as a means of transport for workers, especially in European cities. Now, what was a key improvement of the safety bicycle?
❓ What was a key improvement of the safety bicycle mentioned in the lecture?
A. A. It had pedals attached to the front wheel.
B. B. It used a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels.
C. C. It was lighter and faster than earlier models.
D. D. It required no pedals at all.
✅ 正确答案
B. It used a chain drive and two equal-sized wheels.