The bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle propelled by the cyclist’s feet and steered with handlebars. It’s a fun and efficient form of transportation that helps people stay fit and keeps the planet healthy. There are many different types of bicycles, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bicycles. Each type has unique features designed to meet the specific needs of its riders.

A bicycle is made up of a seat, pedals, gearing, wheels, and brakes, all mounted on a frame. The bicycle can be powered by human power or an electric motor. Most bicycles use a chain to transmit the cyclist’s foot pedalling motion to the wheel that moves the bike forward.

It takes a lot of force to move a bicycle, especially over long distances or steep hills. This is because you’re working against the force of gravity, air resistance (drag), and sometimes bumps that cause your bike to lose energy by reducing its speed.

Bicycling also requires good balance and technique. The bike’s design allows you to shift your weight between the front and back wheels, allowing you to ride over rough terrain while maintaining control of the bicycle. The front wheel is also steered by the handlebar, which can be turned from side to side to steer the bicycle in the desired direction.

A person can learn to ride a bicycle with minimal training. The most important skill is to keep the balance and momentum of the bicycle steady as you turn the handlebars. The most successful riders are able to “read” the road ahead of them, and predict how their actions will affect the bicycle’s path and speed. This skill is referred to as “riding feel”.

When buying a bicycle, the frame size is the most critical factor in the overall comfort and performance of the bike. The frame is a triangular structure that is designed to distribute the rider’s weight evenly over both of its wheels. A frame that is not sized correctly can be uncomfortable and unsafe to ride.

There are several factors that influence a person’s frame size, including their height, weight, and riding style. Those factors will determine the most appropriate bicycle size for them. One of the key measurements is a person’s reach, which is determined by their upper body length, or trunk length.

A bicycle can be used for many different purposes, from exercise and recreation to commuting and transportation. Some types of bicycles are designed for specific uses, such as racing, touring, or cruising. A bicycle can also be adapted to carry cargo, such as baskets or racks. In the United States, there are many bicycle manufacturers and distributors. Some of them sell their products internationally. Bicycles are also used in clinical settings for physical therapy and rehabilitation. Bicycles are also popular with children. Some states have laws regulating the manufacture and sale of bicycles for safety reasons. Others require bicycle owners to register their bicycles. In the United States, there are over 93 million registered bicycles.