Introduction to Biking

Bicycles:*Renewable source of energy

*Clean (no fumes)*Relatively inexpensive

*Easy to maintain*Lasting if maintained*Healthy (low impact, good cardiovascular)

http://www.bicycling.com/news/advocacy/america%E2%80%99s-top-50-bike-friendly-cities

Types of Bikes:What kind of biking will you do?

Price is a good indicator

BMX: Off Road and Tricks

Road Bikes. Reduced Friction:

Narrow tires. lightweight . Speed

Touring bike (Hybrid/Trekking): Long trips: Durable. Comfort.

Mountain Bikes: Big tires. Better traction for off road.

Body position more upright. Comfort.

Recumbent: Comfort: Easy on

body

Aerodynamics: Reduce wind friction

History of Bikes:

Hobby Horse: 1816Better than a horse:

Don’t need to feed, not clean up!!!

Velocipede: 1825Push pedals to turned shaft.

Hard work!!!

Pedal Bike. 1835Pedal on front tire.

Better energy transfer

Penny- Farthing: aka

Big WheelLarger tire for

more speed!!!

1872

Safety bike: 1885 Chain Driven, pedals

1896 Bike Craze: *Threatened economy. Only the rich could afford them.*Watch and jewellery business fell to almost zero.*Piano sales cut in half.*Theatre attendance dropped*Farmers and general public resented cyclists.*Restaurants refused to serve cyclists especially females in outlandish costumes.*Cyclists clubs organized for protection*Song “Daisy” was written*Wired spoke tires

Bicycle Structure:

Bike frame:Diamond shape: Standard type of bike frame, very strong.Women’s frame: Dropped top tube, weaker frame. Good for dresses!!! Old School, but still in our society.

Know all parts of the bicycle!!

PHYSICS OF BICYCLE:

* Sprocket combos for gear ratios:10, 15, 21, 24, 27 speeds (multiply # of front sprockets times

# of rear sprockets) Cogs also important!!

Need to shift gears often to maintain the proper cadence!!

Wheels: Spokes: More spokes, greater strength. Most bikes have 36.

Tire width

Narrow – Faster, less friction, high pressure - BumpyWide - Better cushion, better traction, less punctures

Valves: Schrader - common / low air pressure

Presta – higher air pressure

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS:

* Night riding - lights required. Reflectors recommended.* Always ride with traffic to reduce the relative speed differential * Don’t assume drivers will see you. * Use caution at intersections. Don’t assume right of way.* Cycle in a straight line, even while looking back.* Head radios are illegal

WATCH FOR:*Cars doors opening in front of you.*People and animals darting in front of you.*“Sunday drivers”*Cars next to you that want to turn right*Storm sewer grates (tires could drop through)*Rail road tracks (if not perpendicular to road)Other things to look out for...

• How Riding a Bike Reduces Global Warming

• Ride for Climate

• EU Research Findings

*Most trips Americans make are short: 50% are less than 3 miles, 40% are less than 2 miles, and 28% are less than 1

mile. (US Department of Transportation, 2009)

*The average American household spends $7,179 per year on owning and driving their cars. (

Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2010)

*On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10 daily. (Commute Solutions, 2011)

*Traffic congestion wastes nearly 3.9 billion gallons of gas per year in the U.S. (Texas Transportation Institute, 2010)

*For every 1 mile pedaled rather than driven, nearly 1 pound of CO² (0.88 lbs) is saved. (

US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009)

Other Statistics

Bicycling Equipment• Shoes: Stiff soles for power transfer. Some models actually attach into the pedals.

• Pedals: Clips and straps hold your foot on the pedal to allow 360 degrees of energy.

• Cycling Gloves: Padded palms to cushion hands help prevent wrist problems.

• Shorts: Padded shorts for comfort. Prevents PNN (Perineum Nerve Numbness).

• Shirts: Bright colored shirts for safety.

Bicycle Racing• TOUR DE FRANCE: Super bowl of bike racing.

* Broken down into different stags.* Some steep mountain climbs can be gruelling. “Pyrenees”.*Average overall speed: 25.9 mph. 55+ down hill!!!!* Down hill descents can be fast and dangerous.* Some stage events are timed trials, short sprints.* Team work important. (Drafting) (Peloton )

Greg Lamond. Native Minnesotan three time winner. Gunshot

wound.

Lance Armstrong, (Texan), 2nd American ever to win the Tour de France. Seven time Winner (1999 – 2005), testicular cancer.

Yellow jersey is worn by overall leader

Tour De France• TOUR DE FRANCE: Super bowl of bike racing.

Techniques• Drafting: When one racer rides immediately

behind another to avoid blocking the wind with your body. It provides better aerodynamics and saves energy. Good for long distance rides.