A bicycle is a human-powered, two-wheeled vehicle that’s propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars. It’s an inexpensive form of transportation, can be used for sport and exercise, is a great way to see new places, and doesn’t require gas or parking fees. It’s also environmentally friendly, easy to use and repair, and can last for years if well maintained. It’s no wonder it’s the most popular mode of transport in the world!
A modern bicycle has a frame, fork, and stem, with a chain connecting the cranks to the wheel axle. There are three styles of handlebars: upright, drop, and sweptback. The upright design, the default until the 1970s, curves gently back toward the rider to offer a natural grip and an upright riding position. Drop handlebars “drop” to a lower and more aerodynamic position, which allows the rider to reach the brake lever mounts while maintaining an upright posture. Sweptback handlebars are similar to drop handlebars but with a more sweeping shape that lets the rider move forward and backward while keeping an upright riding position.
Many types of bikes are available, with some having specialized designs for particular purposes or riders. For example, there are mountain bikes with shocks to help ride over rough terrain. Other bikes are designed for racing, such as road and track, which have thinner tires and lighter frames for increased speed. Some bikes are built for comfort, such as cruisers, which have wide, padded seats and large handlebars to reduce the strain on the rider’s arms and shoulders.
There are also utilitarian and specialty bicycles, such as geared bikes, which have multiple gears to allow the rider to travel at higher speeds for longer distances without having to stop to shift gears. Bicycles can be modified for a variety of uses, including carrying children in bicycle trailers, transporting food or supplies to a work site, and even for emergency medical services (bicycle-mounted paramedics are common in some cities).
As with any device with mechanical moving parts, bicycles need regular maintenance and repairs. Most bicycle components can be removed and replaced by the user, although some may require specialized manufacturer-dependent tools. Some riders choose to have their bicycles serviced by professional bicycle mechanics. Others perform much of the maintenance themselves, either to save money or because they enjoy working on their bike’s performance and appearance. For those who do not own a bicycle, there is the option of renting one at a bike shop or using a public bicycle rental system. Bike shops can provide guidance on how to care for a bicycle and offer repairs when needed. They can also rent bikes for an hour or day. In some areas, there are dedicated bike-only paths for public use. This type of path is a useful alternative to driving and walking, which can be dangerous for cyclists. In addition, these paths are often less crowded than those shared with cars and buses.