A bicycle is a two-wheeled human-powered vehicle with a frame, wire-spoked wheels, seat, handlebars for steering and pedals for feet to push on. The most popular type of bike is a road bicycle that has flat handlebars for an upright riding position and multi-gear drivetrains to help the rider climb hills. These bikes often use disc or rim brakes and may come with accessories like fenders, racks and lights pre-installed.

The present world record for cycling is held by a man who left his home in 1962 and is still touring the globe as of 2016. The average speed of a person riding a bicycle on flat ground is between 20 and 30 miles per hour. This is faster than the pace that many people walk but not nearly as fast as a car drives.

In addition to being fun, bicycles provide an excellent form of exercise for the rider. Cycling improves balance, coordination and gait, and provides a full range of aerobic and muscle-strengthening benefits. It also reduces stress, and burns calories and fat. The environmental benefits of cycling are significant as well. One study found that commuting by bike for just one day instead of driving reduces a person’s carbon footprint by 67%.

Bicycling is a popular sport and recreational activity for both men and women of all ages. With the invention of the safe bicycle in the 1890s, what was once a dangerous toy for the upper classes became a practical mode of transportation and a popular pastime that could be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

The most important part of a bicycle is the frame. The frame determines the size of the wheels, how fast the rider can go and whether or not it can take accessories like mudguards (fenders) and pannier racks. The frame also defines how far the seat can be adjusted from the handlebars, and determines how comfortable it is for the rider.

Other parts of the bike include the cranks, the chain, and the handlebars and pedals. The cranks are a set of metal rods that connect to the pedals. The chain runs from the cranks to the wheels. The pedals have a rubber cleat that grips the metal spokes of the wheel, and the wheels have a tire that wraps around them.

The bicycle is used as a mode of transport in cities and towns all over the world. In many cases, this is the primary mode of transport for commuters and shoppers. The bicycle is also popular for recreation, especially among children. It is also used for racing, and a racer’s bike can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. It is important for cyclists to understand the traffic laws in their areas, and to know how to keep their bikes safe and secure. It is also important to learn about the different bicycles, so they can choose the best one for their needs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as other government agencies, are working hard to make roads and streets safer for bicycles. This includes increasing the visibility of signs and signals, taking cyclists into account when engineering curves or grades during roadway construction, and developing bicycle education programs for all ages.