The bicycle is a human-powered, two-wheeled vehicle that converts a person’s energy and movement into forward motion. It’s a complex system of levers, gearing, and balance that has become one of the world’s most popular modes of transportation, used by millions to get to work, school, deliveries, competitions, and more. People also use them to exercise, and for pure recreation, or as a way to explore a city, or even to fly around the world.

It was the first practical means of transporting a rider on two wheels, and it revolutionized urban life by making travel faster, cheaper, and more convenient. In the early 1800s, the average bicycle could travel 50 miles a day in the U.S., more than twice as fast as a horse. This enabled a person to go to town, shop, and have dinner without having to stop and rest.

In the 19th century, the bike became the ultimate status symbol among the urban elite and began to transform the countryside as well. People used bikes to commute, race, and even go on camping and hunting trips. As bicycle technology advanced, more and more Americans embraced it, and by the end of the century, there were more than 200 million of them on the road.

Today, the bicycle is the primary mode of transportation for many people in the developed world. It’s a fast, reliable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly mode of travel that’s widely considered the best mode for getting around in an urban area. It’s also a popular sport, both competitive and recreational, and an important part of public health initiatives to reduce obesity.

The bicycle is also an important tool in mountain biking, which involves riding over rough terrain at high speeds. Its design was specifically created for that type of environment, and its tires have special treads to withstand the forces of riding over uneven and bumpy ground. The bicycle has also been used in warfare, both by the British and Germans during the Second Boer War and in Japan’s 1937 invasion of China.

The construction of a bicycle is remarkably similar to that of an airplane, with designers aiming for both strength and light weight. Alloy steels have been the standard frame material since the 1930s, and more expensive models may feature aluminum or carbon fiber frames. Many bicycles are manufactured in the United States or Britain, but more and more are made overseas. In addition to reducing the price of the finished product, offshore production allows for rigorous environmental and labour standards to be met.