A bicycle is a wheeled, human-powered vehicle that you ride by sitting on it and pushing two pedals with your feet while steering the frame of the bike with the bar that is connected to the front wheel. It is also known as a pedal cycle, a bicycle, or a pushbike. It is the most efficient human-powered means of transportation, requiring three to four times less energy than walking or using an automobile. When used for leisure, a bicycle is often called a recreational or sport bicycle.
From an early stage, bicycle design was oriented toward high efficiency and light weight. The first clunky wooden prototype by German nobleman Karl von Drais didn’t include brakes or pedals; riders simply propelled the bicycle forward with their feet. Later innovations, such as ball-bearing hubs, metal-spoked wheels and solid rubber tyres, made it possible to ride further and faster. Eventually, manufacturers focused their efforts on making the frame and other components lighter without sacrificing rigidity or durability.
Modern bicycles are manufactured in a complex, globalized process. For example, a frame might be welded together in China, and parts for the drive train and other components may be machined and fabricated in Taiwan or elsewhere in Asia, then shipped by air or sea to the original manufacturer for final assembly in Europe, North America, or Japan. This globalization is largely due to advances in materials science, with manufacturers experimenting with aluminum alloys and carbon fiber to make bikes that are lighter and stronger than ever before.
Bicycles are an excellent way to stay fit and healthy, and can be an enjoyable form of recreation for people of all ages and abilities. The aerobic nature of cycling helps to strengthen the heart and blood vessels while improving lung capacity and endurance. It can reduce the risk of obesity and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It can even help people with diabetes or pre-diabetes keep their condition under control.
It is important to increase the time spent on a bicycle slowly, particularly for those who are new to exercise. Overuse injuries can occur if the body is not adequately prepared for extended periods of riding, such as joint pain and muscle strains. It is important to take breaks when necessary and to be aware of the early signs of overuse injury, such as numbness or bilateral muscle pain. Generally, overuse injuries can be prevented by progressively increasing the length and frequency of cycling sessions with proper technique, including stretching and core strength exercises. It is also important to select the right bike for the user, and to avoid wearing inappropriate clothing that can lead to chafing or blisters. For safety, it is important to wear a helmet.