A bicycle, also called a bicycle cycle, is a human-powered or motor-assisted, pedal-driven single-track vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. It is often used for recreational or utilitarian purposes, but is also the principal means of transportation in many regions and countries. It is generally used for short trips, such as to work or school. It is also widely used for sport, including road racing and racing, mountain biking, BMX, and artistic cycling.

The modern bike has a wide variety of styles and configurations. The design of the bicycle has been substantially improved over the years through better materials, component technology, and specialized designs for different uses. A bicycle can be powered by human power, electricity or motors, but the most common and effective method is by using the rider’s legs. The pedals, chain, crankset and frame are connected by a linkage that transmits the rider’s power to the wheel axles.

If a cyclist has done something bad – yelled at someone, dropped litter or robbed a bank – make it obvious that the person’s use of a bicycle caused the problem. This is a classic trick to get a newspaper article published, and it works well because people are curious about what happens when someone rides a bike.

However, if the person riding a bike has done something good – completed a marathon, raised money for charity, or helped save a child from cancer – then don’t mention the bicycle in the story. That will annoy the audience, especially the people who ride bikes themselves. They will assume that the journalist is just using this as an opportunity to demonstrate how uppity, spoilt and weird cyclists are. They will think that the writer of the article is just confirming the stereotypes they already hold about cyclists, with their shaved legs and bright Lycra. This is a shame, because most people who ride bikes are just normal. Hopefully, future journalists will be more careful and not fall into this trap. They should also remember that when they are writing about bikes or the equipment used by people who ride them, that most bike owners don’t want to be seen as super-heroes or celebrities – they just want to be treated fairly and with respect. Yield to bicycles as you would cars and trucks, and look left-right-left and back before turning right at intersections. And wear a helmet and reflectors at all times when riding a bicycle. You should also wear bright clothing (during the day) and reflective gear when cycling at night or in inclement weather.