subject: Bicycles: The Reasonable And Pollution-free Mode Of Commuting [print this page] There are numerous names with which the bicycles are popular. These are inclusive of names such as bike, cycle, pushbike and so on. This machine is powered by humans as one drives it by the help of the pedals. It is a single-track vehicle and is equipped with two wheels that are fixed in a frame. They are set as one tyre behind the other tyre. The people who ride this vehicle are called as cyclist or as bicyclists.
This mode of transportation or commuting was discovered in the 19th century. At present, the estimated number of bicycles is near to a billion all through the world and they are twice as number of other automobiles. In numerous regions of the world, the bicycles form the basic means of transportation. The use of bicycles is not just restricted to commuting; one can also use it as a tool for exercising and also as a toy for children. It can be called as a popular form of a recreational activity.
A child uses a bicycle as a toy while an adult uses its stationary form as a fitness machine. In addition to this, a cycle finds many reasons of being exploited in military as well as police applications. The people related with letter deliveries and courier services also use bicycles. A proper sport of cycle racing or bicycle racing is done with the help of these modes of commuting.
The first chain-driven model of the bicycle has changed a lot since the time of its inception in the year of 1885. Moreover, there have been quite a lot of improvements in the machine and with the advent of improved materials and computer-aided designs; cycles have now an altogether a new face.
The discovery of cycles eased up many tasks. This invention had a tremendous influence and impact on the society. It culturally effected the society and in terms of advancing new industrial processes and methods also. It is also believed that automobile parts and components such as pneumatic tires, ball bearings, chain-driven sprockets, as well as spoke-tensioned wheels were originally developed for the bicycles.
There are numerous kinds of bikes. These are classified on the basis on different parameters such as according to their function, according to the number of riders they carry, as per their construction, according to the type of gearing and also by the means of propulsion that is utilized in the bicycle. The most common types of these bikes are inclusive of mountain bicycles, utility bicycles, racing bicycles, hybrid bicycles, touring bicycles, cruiser bicycles as well as BMX Bikes. The less common type of bikes include tandems, tall bikes, lowriders, folding models, fixed gear, amphibious bicycles and recumbent.
