(how to carry a 8 ft x 4 ft sheet of material)
m (Reverted edits by Publications (talk) to last revision by Ethan)
(32 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{topic header| default.png |Cycling}}
{{topic header| Optimized-Bicycle_1.jpg |Cycling}}
==An efficient mode of transport==
{{Offline content bundle}}
{{TOCright}}


'''Cycling''', '''bicycling''' or '''biking''' refers to using a [[bicycle]] as a means of personal transport or the transport of other people/cargo, for electricity generation, or as means of recreation, or sport.
==Benefits of cycling==
See ''[[Benefits of cycling]]''.
==Economic impact of cycling==
Cycling offers various economic benefits:
*cycleways are cheaper than roads
*leads to better health, meaning lower medical costs<ref>Whether this is directly a community cost or purely borne by the individual depends on which country is being examined, whether there is a state-funded system.</ref> and higher productivity
:*leads to better physical health (obviously - if there is believed to be a [[#safety|safety]] problem which depends on the particular location, this has to be weighed up as well, as one factor).
:*would be expected to lead to better mental health (less stressful, more enjoyable, plus the
:cycling is often quicker than driving, when traffic is heavy, leading to more
Alan Durning on the Sightline Institute blog offers his analysis: [http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2007/10/18/wheels-of-fortune Wheels of Fortune (Bicycle Neglect #10)]
==Social impact of cycling==
[[Social capital]]{{w|Social capital}} and [[happiness]] in the community are important factors in setting policy. Cycling offers several advantages:
* Faces are visible and conversation is possible making it possible to connect with and possibly befriend other cyclists and even pedestrians, especially when meeting them on regular commuting or recreational routes.
* Exercise improves one's mental state.{{fact}}
==Purpose of cycling==
===As a means of personal transport===
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.  
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.<ref>"Bicycle Technology", S.S. Wilson, Scientific American, March 1973</ref> 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%.
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.<ref>"Bicycle Technology", S.S. Wilson, Scientific American, March 1973</ref> 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%.
<ref>
<ref>[http://www.jhu.edu/~gazette/1999/aug3099/30pedal.html "Johns Hopkins Gazette"], 30 August, 1999</ref><ref>"Bicycling Science", Frank R. Whitt, David G. Wilson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1982, ISBN 0-262-23111-5</ref>
[http://www.jhu.edu/~gazette/1999/aug3099/30pedal.html "Johns Hopkins Gazette"], 30 August, 1999</ref>
<ref>"Bicycling Scie
1000
nce", Frank R. Whitt, David G. Wilson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1982, ISBN 0-262-23111-5</ref>


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.
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.
Line 15: Line 34:
An added bonus is that a bicycle can utilize gravity to go faster down hill and even partialy any counterpart hills.
An added bonus is that a bicycle can utilize gravity to go faster down hill and even partialy any counterpart hills.


==Safety==
===As a means of transporting other people/cargo===
Many people choose not to cycle due to safety concerns. However, Alan Durning on the Sightline Institute blog argues that cycling is safer than people think - even safer than driving, when all health factors are taken into account (see the argument and analysis at [http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2007/10/08/safe-streets-bicycle-neglect-7 Safe Streets (Bicycle Neglect #9)]. (No doubt this would vary a lot depending on the location and traffic conditions - Jakarta for example could be expected to be extremely dangerous for cyclists as well as pedestrians - certainly motorcyclists experience a shocking rate of death and injury).  
====Transporting other people====
The Bicycle taxi or boda boda has become popular in Uganda and Kenya, they operate for
hire from stands in towns, bus stops and market centres. The name boda boda is said to
come from the time when the East African Community existed and there was free movement
across the boarder between Uganda and Kenya. Travellers were offered transport to the
boarder by bicycle-riders shouting ‘Border Border’ to attract passengers.
Converting a bicycle to a taxi requires reinforced forks, stronger brakes, a passenger seat
and footrests, and cushions. New seat designs enable woman to ride side-addle should help
to improve access.


Compare the effects on public health as well. An Australian study concluded that more people die of respiratory conditions due to air pollution from cars, than die from traffic accidents.{{fact}}
Although the work is hard, the operators can earn a living despite a lack of formal education.
The community transport organisation in Ndhiwa and The Kibos Cycle Taxi Association of
Kisumu, Western Kenya worked in conjunction with [[Practical Action East Africa]] to:<br>


Another Australian study compared the exposure to pollution of various modes of transport - walking, driving, transit, and cycling. (what were the exact results? Was this a proper study or just one sample of each, for the ''What's Good for You?'' TV program?{{sp}})
* enhance the safety of bicycle taxis
* provide a cycle lane along the Kibos road<br>
* set up a mini-medical insurance scheme for passengers and operators<br>
* provide a credit scheme and repair fund for the members


Of course, safety is much greater when wearing a helmet, and this is highly recommended. However, a UK study found that requiring people to wear helmets had resulted in a drop in the number of cyclists, and it was estimated that more people died due to low fitness (heart problems etc) than would have died if they'd been allowed to cycle without helmets.{{fact}} This suggests a more lenient policy - encouraging helmets, but not carrying out actions (in particular fines) that will discourage people from cycling if they hate helmets. Perhaps more comfortable helmets could be designed, as an option for the helmet-averse - safer than going bareheaded, but more likely to be worn.{{sp}} Another idea might be to allow non-use of helmets on bike paths, but require them when cycling on the roads - though legal penalties should still be weighed carefully, lest cycling be discouraged.  
====Cargo transport====
Extended cycle user Aloysius Fernando, cultivator of mainly plantains & peanuts, sells peanuts in nearby towns. With the extended cycle, he can now transport enough to meet demand (1200 packets as opposed to 400 packets on his original bicycle). With increased business earnings he began to cultivate a larger area of land and could hire a peanut shelling machine.


Regardless of the actual safety of cyclists on the road, it seems obvious that safer and more pleasant cycling conditions would lead to more people cycling.  
===Electricity generation===
See also ''[[Pedal power]]'', ''[[:Category:Pedal power]]'' and ''[[Human power]]''.


==Economic impacts of cycling==
The bicycle's dynamo can be used to charge a mobile device. See the [http://usb-bike.be/ universal bike charger system] and [http://www.econvergence.net/category-s/1822.htm The Cycle Charger]


Cycling offers various economic benefits:
==Cost==
*cycleways are cheaper than roads
The bicycle is still expensive for poorer families in Africa and can cost between 20 to over 100 per cent of a rural household’s annual income. Therefore, transport needs to be supported by an affordable system of manufacture, supply, and repair.
*leads to better health, meaning lower medical costs<ref>Whether this is directly a community cost or purely borne by the individual depends on which country is being examined, whether there is a state-funded system.</ref> and higher productivity
:*leads to better physical health (obviously - if there is believed to be a [[#safety|safety]] problem which depends on the particular location, this has to be weighed up as well, as one factor).
:*would be expected to lead to better mental health (less stressful, more enjoyable, plus the
:cycling is often quicker than driving, when traffic is heavy, leading to more


Alan Durning on the Sightline Institute blog offers his analysis: [http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2007/10/18/wheels-of-fortune Wheels of Fortune (Bicycle Neglect #10)]
Affordability is related to the availability of spare parts and repair services, which are
sometime lacking in rural areas. Several projects have attempted to boost local economics
by encouraging artisanal production of suitable transport and improve the local capabilities of
metal workers to maintain and repair bicycles and other types of transport.


==Social impact of cycling==
==Safety==
Many people choose not to cycle due to safety concerns. However, Alan Durning on the Sightline Institute blog argues that cycling is safer than people think - even safer than driving, when all health factors are taken into account (see the argument and analysis at [http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2007/10/08/safe-streets-bicycle-neglect-7 Safe Streets (Bicycle Neglect #9)]. (No doubt this would vary a lot depending on the location and traffic conditions - Jakarta for example could be expected to be extremely dangerous for cyclists as well as pedestrians - certainly motorcyclists experience a shocking rate of death and injury).


[[Social capital]]{{wp sup|Social capital}} and [[happiness]] in the community are important factors in setting policy. Cycling offers several advantages:
Compare the effects on public health as well. An Australian study concluded that more people die of respiratory conditions due to air pollution from cars, than die from traffic accidents.{{fact}}
* Faces are visible and conversation is possible making it possible to connect with and possibly befriend other cyclists and even pedestrians, especially when meeting them on regular commuting or recreational routes.
* Exercise improves one's mental state.{{fact}}


==Bicycles with lever arms==
Another Australian study compared the exposure to pollution of various modes of transport - walking, driving, transit, and cycling. (what were the exact results? Was this a proper study or just one sample of each, for the ''What's Good for You?'' TV program?{{sp}})
[[File:Maurice_Houbracken's_bicycle.png|thumb|right|150px|Maurice Houbracken's bicycle]]
Bicycles can be equipped with [[lever]] arms, in order to reduce the effort required for the bicycling. The first bicycle with a lever arm was built by Maurice Houbracken. The effort required "reportedly" reduced the effort required by 50%. After a conversation with the builder though, it is clear that the system was built inmediatly without much prior designing. This would mean that much improvement is still prossible (ie the lightgreen lever arm could possibly be attached elsewhere, on a more favorable position, and the angle might also be changed). Also, by increasing the lever arm, the fabricator stated that a 100% effort reduction is definitly possible, and perhaps that a redesign is thus useful for other purposes (ie vehicles where the driver takes another positon; ie such as with the AT e-velomobile). Also, a similar lever arm could also be used for purposes other than transportation (ie winching, ...).


==Bamboo bicycle==
Of course, safety is much greater when wearing a helmet, and this is highly recommended. However, a UK study found that requiring people to wear helmets had resulted in a drop in the number of cyclists, and it was estimated that more people died due to low fitness (heart problems etc) than would have died if they'd been allowed to cycle without helmets.{{fact}} This suggests a more lenient policy - encouraging helmets, but not carrying out actions (in particular fines) that will discourage people from cycling if they hate helmets. Perhaps more comfortable helmets could be designed, as an option for the helmet-averse - safer than going bareheaded, but more likely to be worn.{{sp}} Another idea might be to allow non-use of helmets on bike paths, but require them when cycling on the roads - though legal penalties should still be weighed carefully, lest cycling be discouraged.  
A bike has been produced mainly from bamboo - however, at $2500 to $3000, it is definitely not an [[appropriate technology]]. See [http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/environment/bamboo-bikes Bamboo Bikes].


''Speculation follows:''
Regardless of the actual safety of cyclists on the road, it seems obvious that safer and more pleasant cycling conditions would lead to more people cycling.  
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.
 
==Benefits of Cycling==
[[Benefits of cycling]]


==Footnotes and references==
==Footnotes and references==
<references/>
{{reflist}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[:Category:Pedal power|Pedal power]]
* [[:Category:Pedal power]]
* http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4057 Some statistics
* [[Bicycles in developing contexts]]
* http://carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html - The bamboo bicycle trailer - excellent AT project
* [[Cycling, sustainable community action]]
*[http://www.andrewmaynard.com.au/olc.htm# Andrew Maynard Design] "$35.- plywood bike design"
 
*[http://www.thebikelist.co.uk The Bike List] Bike reviews, specs, image and clubs
== External links ==
* [http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4057 Some statistics]
* [http://carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html - The bamboo bicycle trailer - excellent AT project]
* [http://www.andrewmaynard.com.au/olc.htm# Andrew Maynard Design] "$35.- plywood bike design"
* [http://www.thebikelist.co.uk The Bike List] Bike reviews, specs, image and clubs
* "Who needs a truck?": how to carry a 8 ft x 4 ft sheet of material on a "Xtracycle"[http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffyoungstrom/393271368/in/set-515126/]; [http://bottleworld.net/?p=169]
* "Who needs a truck?": how to carry a 8 ft x 4 ft sheet of material on a "Xtracycle"[http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffyoungstrom/393271368/in/set-515126/]; [http://bottleworld.net/?p=169]


[[Category:Cycling]]
[[Category:Pedal power]]
[[Category:Pedal power]]
[[Category:Transport]]
[[Category:Transport]]
[[Category:Green living]]
[[Category:Green living]]
[[Category:Sustainable cities]]
[[Category:Sustainable cities]]

Revision as of 00:13, 19 January 2019

Template:Offline content bundle

Cycling, bicycling or biking refers to using a bicycle as a means of personal transport or the transport of other people/cargo, for electricity generation, or as means of recreation, or sport.

Benefits of cycling

See Benefits of cycling.

Economic impact of cycling

Cycling offers various economic benefits:

  • cycleways are cheaper than roads
  • leads to better health, meaning lower medical costs[1] and higher productivity
  • leads to better physical health (obviously - if there is believed to be a safety problem which depends on the particular location, this has to be weighed up as well, as one factor).
  • would be expected to lead to better mental health (less stressful, more enjoyable, plus the
cycling is often quicker than driving, when traffic is heavy, leading to more

Alan Durning on the Sightline Institute blog offers his analysis: Wheels of Fortune (Bicycle Neglect #10)

Social impact of cycling

Social capitalW and happiness in the community are important factors in setting policy. Cycling offers several advantages:

  • Faces are visible and conversation is possible making it possible to connect with and possibly befriend other cyclists and even pedestrians, especially when meeting them on regular commuting or recreational routes.
  • Exercise improves one's mental state.[verification needed]

Purpose of cycling

As a means of personal transport

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.[2] 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%. [3][4]

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.

As a means of transporting other people/cargo

Transporting other people

The Bicycle taxi or boda boda has become popular in Uganda and Kenya, they operate for hire from stands in towns, bus stops and market centres. The name boda boda is said to come from the time when the East African Community existed and there was free movement across the boarder between Uganda and Kenya. Travellers were offered transport to the boarder by bicycle-riders shouting ‘Border Border’ to attract passengers. Converting a bicycle to a taxi requires reinforced forks, stronger brakes, a passenger seat and footrests, and cushions. New seat designs enable woman to ride side-addle should help to improve access.

Although the work is hard, the operators can earn a living despite a lack of formal education. The community transport organisation in Ndhiwa and The Kibos Cycle Taxi Association of Kisumu, Western Kenya worked in conjunction with Practical Action East Africa to:

  • enhance the safety of bicycle taxis
  • provide a cycle lane along the Kibos road
  • set up a mini-medical insurance scheme for passengers and operators
  • provide a credit scheme and repair fund for the members

Cargo transport

Extended cycle user Aloysius Fernando, cultivator of mainly plantains & peanuts, sells peanuts in nearby towns. With the extended cycle, he can now transport enough to meet demand (1200 packets as opposed to 400 packets on his original bicycle). With increased business earnings he began to cultivate a larger area of land and could hire a peanut shelling machine.

Electricity generation

See also Pedal power, Category:Pedal power and Human power.

The bicycle's dynamo can be used to charge a mobile device. See the universal bike charger system and The Cycle Charger

Cost

The bicycle is still expensive for poorer families in Africa and can cost between 20 to over 100 per cent of a rural household’s annual income. Therefore, transport needs to be supported by an affordable system of manufacture, supply, and repair.

Affordability is related to the availability of spare parts and repair services, which are sometime lacking in rural areas. Several projects have attempted to boost local economics by encouraging artisanal production of suitable transport and improve the local capabilities of metal workers to maintain and repair bicycles and other types of transport.

Safety

Many people choose not to cycle due to safety concerns. However, Alan Durning on the Sightline Institute blog argues that cycling is safer than people think - even safer than driving, when all health factors are taken into account (see the argument and analysis at Safe Streets (Bicycle Neglect #9). (No doubt this would vary a lot depending on the location and traffic conditions - Jakarta for example could be expected to be extremely dangerous for cyclists as well as pedestrians - certainly motorcyclists experience a shocking rate of death and injury).

Compare the effects on public health as well. An Australian study concluded that more people die of respiratory conditions due to air pollution from cars, than die from traffic accidents.[verification needed]

Another Australian study compared the exposure to pollution of various modes of transport - walking, driving, transit, and cycling. (what were the exact results? Was this a proper study or just one sample of each, for the What's Good for You? TV program?[expansion needed])

Of course, safety is much greater when wearing a helmet, and this is highly recommended. However, a UK study found that requiring people to wear helmets had resulted in a drop in the number of cyclists, and it was estimated that more people died due to low fitness (heart problems etc) than would have died if they'd been allowed to cycle without helmets.[verification needed] This suggests a more lenient policy - encouraging helmets, but not carrying out actions (in particular fines) that will discourage people from cycling if they hate helmets. Perhaps more comfortable helmets could be designed, as an option for the helmet-averse - safer than going bareheaded, but more likely to be worn.[expansion needed] Another idea might be to allow non-use of helmets on bike paths, but require them when cycling on the roads - though legal penalties should still be weighed carefully, lest cycling be discouraged.

Regardless of the actual safety of cyclists on the road, it seems obvious that safer and more pleasant cycling conditions would lead to more people cycling.

Footnotes and references

Template:Reflist

See also

External links

  1. Whether this is directly a community cost or purely borne by the individual depends on which country is being examined, whether there is a state-funded system.
  2. "Bicycle Technology", S.S. Wilson, Scientific American, March 1973
  3. "Johns Hopkins Gazette", 30 August, 1999
  4. "Bicycling Science", Frank R. Whitt, David G. Wilson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1982, ISBN 0-262-23111-5
Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.