【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. cycling /ˈsaɪ klɪŋ/ (n.) – the act of riding a bicycle or traveling using a bicycle
Example: Cycling is my family’s main hobby.
2. pedal /ˈpɛd l/ (n.) – the part operated by the foot to make a bicycle move
Example: I replaced my bicycle’s pedals.
3. antitheft /ˈæn ti, ˈæn taɪ θɛft / (adj.) – being against or preventing theft or the crime of stealing
Example: My antitheft app automatically locks my phone when not in use.
4. vibrate /ˈvaɪ breɪt/ (v.) – to quickly move back and forth
Example: The phone vibrated when the app opened.
5. passcode /pæs koʊd/ (n.) – a set of numbers and/or letters used to access or unlock a device
Example: He forgot the right passcode on his device.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 has featured technologies that enable safer cycling.
Held in Las Vegas, the exhibition showed two enhancements that a cyclist can avail of in the future. The first one is a helmet that warns a biker about possible collisions against a car. The other is a smart pedal with an antitheft system.
Swedish carmaker Volvo developed the high-tech helmet. It connects with a smartphone using Bluetooth. Volvo’s City Safety online system then gathers the biker’s speed and location. The helmet will flash a red light or will vibrate to warn the cyclist about fast-approaching Volvo cars. To avoid collisions, the online system will also notify the Volvo car and will automatically apply brakes should a cyclist become too close.
With the helmet, Volvo aims to lessen bike-related accidents in the United States. According to a study, the number of cyclists killed between 2010 and 2012 rose by 16%. In 2012 alone, a total of 722 bikers died because of car collisions.
On another note, Connected Cycle, a French company that innovates bicycle products, made a special pedal to prevent bike theft in Europe. The owner can keep an eye on his or her bike through sensors and GPS, which are both connected to a smartphone app. The bike owner can also set a passcode on the pedal to prevent others from using the bike.
Both the helmet and the pedal are still in the developmental phase. Volvo plans to do more tests before releasing the helmet. Connected Cycle, on the other hand, is still raising funds for the pedal’s commercial production.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Which do you prefer, the helmet or the pedal? Why is that so?
· How else can cyclists avoid road accidents?
Discussion B
· How does your city ensure road safety?
· What are the common causes of road accidents? Kindly discuss.