【听力原文】
Ten years ago, the strange cyclists promoting energetically through the first snowstorm of the year was a rare sight often captured in films. Today, however, it is estimated that four to five percent of cyclists bicycle a year round. [12] The increased popularity of winter cycling can be attributed to the creation of the mountain bike and its subsequent imitations, outfitted with parts more sturdy than those of yesterday. Equipped with their more stable bicycles, nothing seems to stop the new breed of winter cyclists. With streets dry and clear on most winter days, many winter cyclists wear running shoes and protect themselves from cold by wearing down-hill skiing clothes. On wet days cyclists can wear special water-proof boots over their shoes. [13] But for all of its popularity, there is a down side to winter cycling. Even mountain bikes can't withstand winter snow and rain without extensive maintenance. [14] But one bicycle store owner is in the final stages of developing a year-round bicycle with innovated complete chain cover. With bicycle chains covered, cyclists would need to clean and oil their chains only once every six months instead of once a week. [15] Despite her invention, however, she still advises cyclists to take a taxi or bus when it is snowing heavily, not because the conditions are too tough for bicycles but because she believes bikers can't have confidence in the people who drive cars on days of reduced visibility.
According to the speaker, what has encouraged more people to cycle in winter?
【解题思路】两项与自行车相关(自行车道的建设、结实的自行车的发明)，另外两项(近些年的温和天气、汽油价格的上升)与自行车无直接联系，有效信息不太明确，这时解题的关键就是准确把握录音。【解析】录音开头说，十年前奇怪的骑车人卖力地骑着自行车在第一场暴风雪中前行的场景是很少见的，只有在电影里才经常看到。而现在预计有4％～5％的人整年都骑自行车。冬季骑车的愈加流行可能是因为山地车和后续配备了比以前更结实的零件的自行车的发明，因此答案为D。