Cycle machine/Stationary bike (noun) â an exercise machine that can be pedaled like a bicycle
Like riding a bike (phrase) â said of a skill that, once learned, is never forgotten.
Cycle lanes (noun) â a part of a road that is separated by a line from the rest of the road, for the use of people riding bicycles.
To maintain (verb) â to keep a road, machine, building, etc. in good condition.
Upside (noun) â the advantage of a situation.
Stable (adj.) â firmly fixed or not likely to move or change.
Stabilizers (noun) â small wheels attached to each side of the back wheel of a bicycle to prevent it from falling over when a child is learning to ride it.
Versatile (adj.) â (of people) able to do many different things or to adjust to new conditions, or (of things) able to be used for many different purposes.
We have also added these words to a âQuizletâ set for you to study and revise in your free time: bit.ly/quizlets04e03
Questions and Answers
Maria: Rory, how often do you ride a bike?
Rory: Probably not as much as when I was a child. To be honest, I think the closest I get these days is on a cycle machine at the gym. But thatâs hardly everâŠ
Maria: Did you learn to ride a bicycle when you were a child?
Rory: Yeah, my mom and dad taught me. It took ages, but it was worth it in the end. And you never forget how to do it either. Which is why I guess people have that expression â itâs like riding a bike.
Maria: Is it easy for you to ride a bicycle in your country?
Rory: Well, I think itâs easier to ride a bike than in a lot of countries in the world. We have a lot of cycle lanes and people are encouraged to be healthier. Um, itâs not as easy as it is in a small number of countries. Like, I think in maybe the Netherlands, they have a more bike-friendly culture.
Maria: Yeah, but in Amsterdam, there are very angry cyclists.
Rory: Why?
Maria: Aggressive cyclists, because there are a lot of tourists and they get in the way and the locals donât like it. Have you ever been there?
Rory: I have, but I didnât notice people being angry on bikes. I thought everyone was very relaxed đ
Maria: Oh, good. What are the benefits of riding a bicycle for a child?
Rory: Um, well, I suppose they have a greater sense of freedom than if theyâre just walking around everywhere. They can just jump on their bike and go anywhere they want to. And they can do that with their friends. So itâs good for encouraging their social relationships. And if I suppose if they were encouraged to maintain their bike, it makes them more responsible as well. So there are a lot of upsides to this, really.
Maria: Is it safe to ride bicycles on the roads?
Rory: Well, in Russia, probably not⊠There are fewer cycle lanes and the driving is generally more aggressive. Probably, if we think about it more generally, it might not be safe to ride the bike regardless of the country if the weatherâs bad, because you could be blown off your bike in high winds, for example. I think itâs probably safer and quieter in more sheltered and more developed areas.
Maria: How popular are bicycles in your hometown?
Rory: Um, itâs hard to say. I donât think itâs as popular as in some parts of Europe, for example. But we already talked about Amsterdam. Itâs not as popular as it is there. Youâre more likely to see cars. But I think quite a few people still cycle. Itâs not an unusual sight to see someone on the bike.
Maria: Do you think that bikes are suitable for all ages?
Rory: Um, I suppose as long as you can keep them stable. Yeah! Maybe if youâre very old or very young, you might need to reconsider it, because, of course, if youâre very young, then you donât really know how they work so well⊠Although, you can have stabilizers on your bike. So itâs not that bad. And if youâre older as well, you might struggle to keep things upright, but the vast majority of people should be fine.
Maria: What are the advantages of a bicycle compared to a car?
Rory: Uh, thatâs a good question, actually! I am a little bit biased because I prefer cars to bikes, but no that I think about it. You donât have to pay for petrol. So thereâs like no petrol costs, and itâs probably more versatile because you can go to more places. For example, cars usually almost always need roads, but with a bike you can go mountain biking, for example. You canât really do that in a car. And itâs healthier and quieter, I suppose. And thatâs a good thing if you donât like having a lot of people when youâre driving, for example.
Maria: Would you like to go travelling by bicycle?
Rory: If itâs a short journey. I donât see why not. But not if itâs, like, going between countries, for example. I donât like the idea. Iâd prefer to to take the train. I like the train.
Maria: No, like for a month or something... Just riding your bike, travelling around the world.
Rory: Um, no, Iâd prefer not to, but I can see why itâs attractive for some people. But itâs not my thing.
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