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*[[:Category:Pedal power|Pedal power]]
*[[:Category:Pedal power|Pedal power]]
* http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4057 Some statistics
* http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4057 Some statistics
* http://carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html - The bamboo bicycle trailer - excellent AT project


[[Category:Pedal power]]
[[Category:Pedal power]]
[[Category:Transport]]
[[Category:Transport]]

Revision as of 10:55, 5 June 2007

Even areas with just footpaths bicycling is the most energy-efficient means of transport generally available. Bicycling at low to medium speeds (10-15 mph, 16-24 km/h), uses only the energy required to walk.

In both biological and mechanical terms, the bicycle is extraordinarily efficient. In terms of the amount of energy a person must expend to travel a given distance, investigators have calculated it to be the most efficient self-powered means of transportation.[1] From a mechanical viewpoint, up to 99% of the energy delivered by the rider into the pedals is transmitted to the wheels, although the use of gearing mechanisms may reduce this by 10-15%. [2] [3]

In terms of the ratio of cargo weight a bicycle can carry to total weight, it is also a most efficient means of cargo transportation.

An added bonus is that a bicycle can utilize gravity to go faster down hill and even partialy any counterpart hills.

Bamboo bicyle

A bike has been produced mainly from bamboo - however, at $2500 to $3000, it is definitely not an appropriate technology. See Bamboo Bikes.

Speculation follows: The likely difficulties include:

  • Getting consistent size and shape of bamboo.
  • Consistent mechanical problems.
  • Avoiding splitting by use of special fittings and glue (mentioned in the article) - yet it must still be strong enough to safely carry a rider.
  • Does the bamboo potentially create large splinters in the event of a serious accident? If so, these splinters could cause very serious injuries, even death.

Footnotes and references

  1. "Bicycle Technology", S.S. Wilson, Scientific American, March 1973
  2. "Johns Hopkins Gazette", 30 August, 1999
  3. "Bicycling Science", Frank R. Whitt, David G. Wilson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1982, ISBN 0-262-23111-5

See also

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