The Bicycle:A Human Powered

Vehicle

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The Bicycle:A bicycle is a human powered machine (pedal-driven), which was originally introduced in the 19th century. The first bike was made of wood and was designed with steering in the front and no pedals. In the years to follow several new inventions and additions took bicycles to an entirely new direction. Such inventions are commonly known as the steel/aluminum/carbon frame, braking system, mechanical crank, spoked rim and rubber tire/tube. The bike featured on the left is one of the earlier inventions of the bicycle, it is known as the “penny-farthing.”

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The Four Common Types of Bicycles:Although the style, technology and dependability of bicycles has largely improved, the basic configuration still remain the same. Bicycles can be categorized into different types, which include BMX, racing, mountain and touring bicycles. Each type varies in weight, size, comfort and dependability.

BMX

Mountain Bicycle Touring Bicycle

Racing Bicycle*4

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Do you prefer a BMX, racing, mountain or touring bicycle?

64%

3% 15%

18%

BMX

Racing Bicycles

Touring Bicycles

Mountain Bicycles

A recent survey of 40 McMaster students (20 Females and 20 Males), reveals that approximately 64% of the students prefer to drive mountain bicycles.

Bicycle Equipment:Biking is an expensive sport, which requires a lot more then just a bicycle.

Tire PumpHand ProtectionHydration System

Bicycle Shoes

GPS Head/Elbow/Knee Protection

Bicycle Clothing

Bicycle Tools

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Biking is Environmentally Friendly…

Amongst all other forms of transportation, biking is beneficial to the environment. In today’s day and age, a major environmental concern is global warming. Global warming is largely caused from toxic emissions, commonly released from cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles exc. Bicycling helps to reduce the emission of pollutants, noise, traffic congestion and the use of natural resources. Therefore, bicycles not only contribute to good health and a clean environment, but they help to save money and natural resources.

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Would you rather bike, walk, rollerblade or skateboard to

commute around the McMaster campus?

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Bike

Walk

Rollerblade

Skateboard

A recent survey of 40 McMaster students (20 Females and 20 Males), reveals that approximately 55% of the students prefer to commute around campus on a bicycle.

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References and Work Cited:

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Image Citations:*1. http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/67/Annotated_bicycle.jpg

*2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Ordinary_bicycle01.jpg

*3. http://www.infovisual.info/05/033_en.html

*4.http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/escalade-bmx-black.jpg

*5.http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11496573/High_Modulus_Carbon_Fibre_Bicycle_Carbon_Triathlon_Bikes.jpg

*6.http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11242451/New_Rocky_Mountain_Bike_Rmx_PRO_19_5.jpg

*7. http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/ra/raleigh-venture-touring-bike.jpg

*8. http://www.bx3.com/phil/tri/images/time-mxt-bike-shoes.jpg

*9.http://www.exchile.com/Images%20Store/CamelBak%20Rogue.jpg

*10. http://www.jensonusa.com/product/GL/GL302A00red.jpg

*11. http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50223861/Bicycle_Pump.jpg

*12.http://westwoodcycle.ca/images/library/site/nike_06discjers280_06_p.jpg

*13. http://uk.gizmodo.com/gps%20for%20dummies.jpg

*14.http://img.thefind.com/images/XgBLqRf1ncYwjSH9DQNDcUF-UUlxfGJeSnx-aUlKfn5RMUNGSUmBlb5-eXm5XnZSSX5lsV5yfq5-un5BUX5KaXKJvrmBKQibmZlDqXhDAwPD-ABPvayCdAYA?m=1&g=2

*15.http://www.cambridgebicycle.com/assets/images/accessories/park_bicycle_tools.jpg

*16. http://www.alpine-motel.com/pages/images/Mountain%20Biking%20Nelson%20BC.jpg

Web and Print Material:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle#History