Today we're going to discuss the history of the bicycle. Now, many people assume the bicycle was invented in the 19th century, but actually, the first two-wheeled vehicle, called a draisine, appeared in 1817 in Germany. It had no pedals; riders pushed their feet against the ground. Later, in the 1860s, French inventors added pedals to the front wheel, creating the velocipede. However, this design was uncomfortable and hard to ride. It wasn't until the 1880s that the safety bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, became popular. This design made cycling much safer and more accessible to the general public.
❓ What was the main advantage of the safety bicycle compared to earlier designs?
A. It had a more comfortable seat.
B. It was lighter and easier to carry.
C. It was safer and easier for ordinary people to ride.
D. It could be used on rough roads without damage.
✅ Correct Answer
C. It was safer and easier for ordinary people to ride.
