You are going to read a text about one of the first bicycles in history. Read the text carefully and decide if each statement is True, False, or Not Mentioned.
The Penny-Farthing Bicycle
More than 140 years ago, a very unusual bicycle appeared on the streets of Europe. It was called the penny-farthing, and it looked very different from the bicycles we know today. This machine had a huge front wheel, often over 1.5 meters tall, and a very small back wheel. The rider sat almost directly above the big wheel, very high from the ground. The name “penny-farthing” comes from two old British coins: the penny, which was large, and the farthing, which was tiny. When placed next to each other, the two coins reminded people of the bicycle’s wheels.
The penny-farthing was invented in the 1870s, after earlier bicycles called “boneshakers.” Those bicycles were heavy, uncomfortable, and difficult to ride. The penny-farthing was lighter, faster, and more affordable. Its large front wheel helped the rider travel quickly because one turn of the pedals pushed the bicycle much further than a small wheel could. For this reason, many people thought it was a great improvement.
However, the design also made it quite dangerous. Riders had to climb up to a very high seat, and they could easily lose balance. If the front wheel stopped suddenly, for example if it hit a stone or a hole in the road, the rider could fall forward from a great height. Accidents were common, and serious injuries often happened. At that time, people usually did not wear helmets, so falling off a penny-farthing could be very painful.
Despite the risks, the penny-farthing became popular in Europe and later in the United States. It was especially fashionable among young men from wealthy families. For them, riding this bicycle was not only about transport — it was also about sport, bravery, and social status. Being able to ride a penny-farthing showed that you were strong, adventurous, and modern.
By the late 1880s and 1890s, the safety bicycle was invented in Europe. This new design had two wheels of the same size and a chain to drive the back wheel. It was much safer and easier to ride, so it quickly replaced the penny-farthing. Women and older people could also ride the safety bicycle, which made cycling more popular across society. The penny-farthing soon disappeared from everyday use, but it was never completely forgotten.
Today, the penny-farthing is considered a symbol of the early history of cycling. You can see original models in museums, in historical photographs, and sometimes in parades or special cycling events. Some enthusiasts still build and ride penny-farthings as a hobby, although modern versions are usually a little safer. Even if nobody uses them for daily transport anymore, the penny-farthing remains one of the most famous bicycles ever created.
1. Being able to ride a penny-farthing was seen as proof of courage and modern thinking. —
2. Today, the penny-farthing is only kept in museums, but nobody actually uses it anymore. —
3. The penny-farthing had two medium-sized wheels that were nearly the same height. —
Atsauce:
Picture "Vintage Bicycle": Sue Burton Photography / Shutterstock.com
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