A bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle propelled by foot pedals and steered by handlebars. It is the most efficient means of human-powered transportation. Some people use bicycles for exercise and sport, while others ride them to work or school and as a means of transportation around town. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of bicycle riding, including increased strength and flexibility, endurance, lung capacity, and reduced risk of heart disease and obesity.
Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. When passing a pedestrian on the sidewalk, a cyclist should yield by moving into the adjacent lane of traffic or off the sidewalk to give way. Pedestrians must remain aware of cyclists, watch for bicycle signals and respect their right to share the road.
Some states have laws that require bicycles to be equipped with lights and reflectors. Most require all bicycles to have brakes that are capable of producing a skid on dry, level pavement when the handlebars are squeezed. Bicycles are also required to have a bell or other device that can be heard at least 100 feet away. Some bicycles are also equipped with rearview mirrors.
The terms cycling and biking are used interchangeably, but the former is often used in a more formal, sporting, or fitness context to emphasize the activity’s structure, rules, and competitive nature. The latter is sometimes used in a casual or general sense to refer to any type of bicycle riding, regardless of the context or purpose.
Cycling involves racing a bicycle, either on flat or hilly terrain, and often in competition with other riders. Different bicycles are designed for specific types of races and terrains. Examples include stage races, such as the Tour de France; one-day classics, such as Paris–Roubaix; criteriums; and cross-country (XC) races.
Besides racing, cycling is a popular pastime and form of recreation. Individuals may practice for fun or train to compete in amateur or professional events, such as triathlons, cyclocross, or mountain bike races. Bicycles are also used for transportation purposes in urban areas and as a mode of leisure transport in rural areas.
Some people find that using a bicycle helps them save money on fuel costs, while others like the opportunities for exercise and socializing offered by cycling. Various health benefits are associated with cycling, including lower blood pressure and the prevention of obesity and depression. Bicycles are also a common mode of transport for public services and industrial workers in some countries. Police officers and other law enforcement personnel in crowded cities often use bicycle-mounted patrols, which allow them to maneuver more quickly through traffic than a conventional police car. In addition, some postal workers use bicycles to deliver mail in inner-city areas. In some large auto and other manufacturing plants, employees may use bicycles to move rapidly between different parts of the plant. These bicycles are usually equipped with front baskets, panniers, or trailers for cargo. This type of bicycle is known as a utility bicycle.