Good morning, class. Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, many people think the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, but in fact, a primitive version appeared in 1817, invented by a German baron named Karl von Drais. His machine, called the 'running machine,' had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. It wasn't until the 1860s that pedals were added in France. However, the first practical and widely popular design came in the 1880s with the 'safety bicycle,' which featured equal-sized wheels and a chain drive. This design made cycling much safer and more comfortable, leading to a boom in popularity.
❓ According to the lecture, when did the bicycle first become widely popular?
A. In 1817, when the running machine was invented.
B. In the 1860s, when pedals were added.
C. In the 1880s, with the introduction of the safety bicycle.
D. In the 19th century, but no specific date is mentioned.
✅ 正确答案
In the 1880s, with the introduction of the safety bicycle.