Physics of Bicycles

Regardless of whether we understand it or not, physics plays an important role in everything we do. Cycling is no exception, it is a natural law of physics. Friction is a resistance that always acts in the opposite direction of body movement. Friction depends on two factors, the coefficient of friction and the normal force. Friction = (μ) (n) There are two kinds of coefficient of friction: static and dynamic. The coefficient of static friction is the friction that must be overcome before any movement begins.

Bicycle physics is probably a wider and more complex subject than people think. The number of bicycle parts is small, but the interaction between them and the dynamic principle is complicated. This is especially true for the stability of the bicycle. Bicycle stability is the result of complex dynamic interactions within the bicycle rider system. When riding the bicycle itself is very stable. Given sufficient forward speeds, even unmanned bicycles are stable, so much effort has been made to analyze the factors that stabilize the bicycle. "Locus" (see below) is judged to be an important factor in bicycle stability in many cases. In a traditional bicycle design, if the path is positive, it means that the projection of the steering shaft and the ground is ahead of the contact point between the front wheels and the ground.

Only physics is a convincing example of the value of a bicycle. Bicycles are designed to be human proportions and are thought to be the most energy-efficient cars - they are better than walking. A bicycle needs about 50 calories per mile, car efficiency is about 1,500, widely different. Bicycles are used to carry lifts for pulleys and winches, essentially speaking literally, the bicycle moves powerless people.

Bicycle speed closely related issues include bicycle quality, rider health status, topography, and the speed difference between the rider and the driver. Stereotypes sometimes draw riders as wealthy spandex pack racers, but most people commuting to work are actually low-income classes. 49% of employees commuting by bicycle are estimated to earn less than $ 25,000 per year (Keatts and Kinder Institute 2015). This level of income cyclist is unlikely to ride a light and fast bicycle. They may not have the muscular development (or bicycle) of the foot needed to move by bicycle instead of fitness and to reach and maintain high speed. Such a driver can not integrate smoothly with the traffic of a car, and a driver who can not pass quickly must correspondingly decelerate with a larger amplitude.