The bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by pedals and steered by handlebars. It is a great form of transportation and is useful for people who want to save time and avoid traffic. Many people use their bicycles to get to work or school, as well as for recreation and exercise. The word bike is also used as a verb to describe riding on a bicycle. A person who is a beginner at riding may need to practice on an empty path or in a parking lot before taking to the streets.

A bicycle was invented in the nineteenth century as a means of transport and as a leisure-time activity. The first prototypes were made of wood, and they are sometimes referred to as draisines after their inventor, Karl Drais (1785-1851). Drais’s 1817 invention was similar in concept to the modern bicycle, but it was more efficient because it allowed for forward motion without having to walk or run. The invention of the pneumatic tire and chain drive revolutionized the bicycle in the later 1800s, and these changes enabled cyclists to cover longer distances in a shorter amount of time.

Riding a bicycle can be very healthy and is a good way to improve your cardiovascular health and muscular endurance. Cycling gives you a vigorous workout that increases your heart rate and blood circulation and causes you to sweat, which can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Cycling can also improve your balance, coordination and agility, as well as your mood by relieving stress. In addition, cycling is an excellent non-weight-bearing exercise that can prevent osteoporosis and increase bone density.

In addition, the bicycle can be a good way to decrease your environmental impact. By choosing to ride a bike rather than drive a car, you can cut down on your carbon footprint and improve air quality. In addition, you can avoid the hassle of finding a place to park in crowded areas by using a bicycle to get around.

Some of the most common injuries incurred by cyclists are fractures and lacerations, particularly from collisions with motor vehicles or pedestrians. Injuries can also be caused by falling off of the bicycle or by being hit by an object that is in the roadway.

Depending on the severity of the injury, some cyclists need to see specialists such as emergency medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists or oral surgeons. People who develop overuse injuries from cycling may need to see physical therapists for treatment.

Regardless of the cause of an accident, it is important for cyclists to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce them. This can be done by wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road. It is also important to practice braking, steering and stopping in safe places before using a bicycle on busy roads. Finally, people who are not experienced riders should wear protective gear and take lessons from a professional to learn the proper techniques.