10 things you may not know about bicycles
Bicycles are cycles in the most authentic sense of the word, and there are some fun facts we would like to share with you about the history of bicycles and the way bikes are used nowadays.
So, here are 10 fun facts you may not know yet:
1. The "modern" bicycle was adapted with pedal cranks and iron rims in 1840 by a Scottish blacksmith named Kirkpatrick Macmillan. Before that, people had to push themselves along by using just their feet.
2. The bicycle is the most efficient vehicle ever conceived; a human on a bicycle is more efficient - in calories spent per pound and per mile - than a train, truck, airplane, boat, car, motorcycle or jet pack.
3. Cycling at least three hours per week cuts the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%!
4. The longest tandem bicycle seated 35 people and was 67 feet long. Truly amazing, isn’t it?
5. The smallest bicycle that has ever been made had two wheels made from silver dollars.
6. The fastest speed ever registered on a bicycle was achieved by the American Olympic Cyclist and Ironman triathlon competitor John Howard - he reached 152.2 mph in 1985.
7. There are about 1 billion bikes in the world, compared to half as many vehicles. Also, around 100 million bikes are produced every year.
8. One could fit anywhere between 6 and 20 bicycles in a regular car parking space in a paved lot. If you don’t believe it, you can always try it!
9. Bicycles can save over 238 million gallons of gas per year when replacing the trips made in cars.
10. What Susan B. Anthony stated about bicycling is wonderful: "...it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
The truth is that bikes were revolutionary vehicles back when they were invented and they still revolutionize people’s lives even today.
Do you know other interesting, fun facts about bicycles? Share with us in the comments below.
If you already have an account, please LOGIN.
If not, you may consider creating on. It’s FREE!
» Login
» Sign up