Today's lecture is about the history of the bicycle. The first bicycle, invented in the early 19th century, had no pedals and was propelled by pushing feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, pedals were added to the front wheel, making riding faster but also more dangerous. The invention of the chain drive in the 1880s allowed for a more stable design with two equal-sized wheels, which became the basis for modern bicycles. Interestingly, the popularity of bicycles in the late 19th century also contributed to the women's rights movement, as it gave women greater mobility and independence.
❓ What was a key improvement of the bicycle design in the 1880s?