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bicycles, human power

jstack6
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A bicycle is one of the most efficient vehicles ever invented. There are 1,2,3 and even 4 wheels. Here's a note about efficiency from http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/world_most_ener.php
Comparing energy used per passenger-mile (calories), they found that a bicycle needed only 35 calories, whereas a car expended a whopping 1,860. Bus and trains fell about midway between, and walking still took 3 times as many calories as riding a bike the same distance. end of quote

When I look at the exersize we get, reduced traffic congetion, no pollution, easy parking and you are more connected with nature it's a real winner. The only time it would be a problem is in extreme cold or if you have to go a long , long way.

Even if we look at safety it is better. How many people have you read about that were killed while riding that did not involve a big heavey car or truck. If all we have were bicycles there would be very few accidents and everyone would be healthier.

I love the pictures of Ed Begely Jr going to a formal awards show to accept some recognition in his tux riding his bicycle. The president of Mexico rode his bike during bike to work week. Imagine if the top leaders in the US rode their bicycles sending everyone a message.

Ralph Nader doesn't own a car , never has and ran for president of the USA. Now that makes an interesting image. Bicycle one instead of air force one. I'm an engineer and have ridden a bicycle for over 50 years and I don't plan to stop. It used to be hard to do in Upstate NY where I grew up. Winter lasted 6 months. Now in Arizona I can always ride.

Did you know the speed record for a bicyle is 81 mph ? Check out http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/records/fastest_ever.htm There are many records for bicycling. The best bicycle is the one you use everyday. It can make a big difference in the world. As Lance Armstrong , 7 times Tour De France winner says, Live Strong.

What do you ride and how often ?

‹ Rhodes Car - 4 Wheel Bike that Rides Like A Car France taking the lead on a new program to reduce traffic using Bikes!!! ›
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Submitted by jstack6 on Wed, 05/30/2007 - 00:18.

jstack6
jstack6's picture
Re: bicycles, human power

wow, an 81 year old bicyclist taking a 2,000 mile trips to raise money for charaty. We al all slackers compared to this guy.

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/06/11/arizona.bicyclist.ap/

81-year-old bicyclist begins 2,000-mile charity trek
POSTED: 1435 GMT (2235 HKT), June 11, 2007
Story Highlights• Bicyclist Bill Anderson is riding around Arizona's perimeter
• "It's so awesome," he says. "I'm having a blast"
• Anderson plans to complete the trip in 14 to 16 days
• Last year, Anderson biked from Mexico to Canada and back again
Adjust font size:
YUMA, Arizona (AP) -- An 81-year-old man has set off on a 2,000-mile bicycle ride around Arizona's perimeter.

Bill Anderson of Yuma plans to complete the trip in 14 to 16 days. He is riding to raise money for Yuma's Crossroads Mission, which provides shelter, meals, showers and clothing to the homeless.

Last year, Anderson rode from the Mexican border to the Canadian line and back again to raise money. In 2004, he made two trips for the mission: one from Canada to Mexico and another from San Diego to Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

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Tue, 06/12/2007 - 08:52

jstack6
jstack6's picture
Re: bicycles, human power

Have you heard of the deci mach prize ? It's about 25K if you can go faster than 1/20 mach I on a human powered bicycle. The closest is 81 mph. Just 1 mph faster and they would have had it.
There are also prizes of cash for many other records in bicycling. Maybe Lance Armstrong will show up some year and take home a few bucks.

http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/racing2006/dempsey2006.htm

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Thu, 06/07/2007 - 15:49