[스크랩] Lesson 5 Bicycles for Human Beings

Lesson 5
Bicycles for Human Beings

Let’s Read

Topic 1
From a Toy to a Comfortable Bicycle

The Walking Machine
In 1817 Baron Von Drais invented a walking machine: two same-size in-line wheels. It was made of wood. The machine was moved by pushing your feet against the ground. It became known as the hobby horse. It was enjoyed in a park or a garden as a toy, not being practical for transportation.

The Boneshaker
A new machine which had pedals was invented in 1865. But this machine was not popular. Since it was also made of wood and metal tires, people who rode this machine felt uncomfortable. So it was called the boneshaker. It also became a toy.

The High-Wheel Bicycle
In 1870 the first all-metal machine appeared. It had a large front wheel and a small back wheel. Hard rubber tires gave people a much better ride. This machine was the first one to be called a bicycle, “two wheels.” Though these bicycles were expensive, they were enjoyed by young men.

The Hard-Tired Bicycle
With metal that was now strong and light, the next design was a return to the two same-sized wheels. The bicycles still had the hard rubber tires which had no air inside. Their ride was more uncomfortable than that of any of the high-wheel designs.

The Soft-Tired Bicycle
The tire which had air inside was first invented by an Irishman. He was trying to give his young son a more comfortable ride on his tricycle. This young doctor’s name was Dunlop. Now, safe and comfortable, everyone likes to ride the bicycle.

Topic 2
Bicycles for Human Beings

The bicycle began as a toy for rich people. Then, it became a means of transportation. Next, it became a toy again. Now, the bicycle is becoming popular as a means of transportation once more.
There are several reasons why more people ride bicycles. The cost of gas for cars is one reason. Another is the need to keep the air clean. In the 1960s and 1970s, the air pollution from cars made people worry. The energy situation got worse, but the popularity of the bicycle increased greatly. The third reason is a wish to exercise. In the 1970s and 1980s more people became interested in their physical fitness. As a result, about 82 million bicycles were in use in the U.S. in the mid-1980s.
It is said that the bicycle is more convenient and saves more energy than the car. Also, it is nearly as fast as the car for short city trips. Many people, however, are still using their cars. Why? Time is one reason. It is still faster to drive a car than to ride a bicycle.
Another reason why people do not ride bikes is their lack of confidence. Some new bicycle riders do not trust themselves. If they are not completely certain that they can ride well enough, they decide to take their cars. New bicycle riders might be afraid of hurting themselves.
A more important reason is that many people do not know a lot about the vehicle. For example, the average person does not know how to change the gears of a ten-speed bicycle. US bicycle makers say that 80% of the gears on their ten-speed bikes are never used. If bike riders knew how to ride their bikes correctly, they would make better use of them.

Review - 의사 소통 기능

약속 제안하기
A: What place is convenient for you to meet?
B: How about at the bus stop?

불평
A: This is most unsatisfactory.
B: You’d better go and exchange it.

설득
A: I don’t know how to make a paper flower.
B: Let’s do it this way.

충고 요구하기
A: Do you think I should buy it?
B: Yes. I think you should.

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