**History of Cycling:**
– Cycling popularized in Europe and North America in the late 19th century.
– Bicycles were used for reconnaissance, troop transport, and supply delivery in wars, including World War I and II.
– Switzerland disbanded its last bicycle troop unit in 2003.
– Japan employed 50,000 bicycle troops in the 1937 invasion of China.
– Communist forces extensively used bicycles in the Vietnam War for cargo transport.
**Equipment and Skills in Cycling:**
– Road bikes designed for speed with lightweight frames and narrow saddles.
– Common bike types include road, gravel, mountain, and e-bikes.
– Price range for bicycles varies from $50 to over $20,000.
– Educational programs teach children bike handling and road rules.
– Adult cycling education available from organizations like the League of American Bicyclists.
– Riding efficiently and safely in traffic is a crucial skill.
**Cycling Infrastructure:**
– Bike paths offer dedicated spaces for cyclists away from vehicle traffic.
– Prioritizing cycling infrastructure can lead to increased cycling rates.
– Conflicts arise due to differing demands of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
– Dedicated cycling infrastructure, like cycle tracks and lanes, is present in many cities.
– In the Netherlands, a quarter of the road network is segregated for cyclists.
**Utility and Recreational Cycling:**
– Utility cycling refers to daily commuting and commercial activities in urban areas.
– Postal services, police forces, and various industries use bicycles for deliveries.
– Bicycle touring involves leisure exploration and sightseeing by bicycle.
– Popular recreational activities include organized long-distance rides.
– In the Netherlands, cycling for pleasure in the countryside is a common pastime.
**Bike Hire Schemes and Safety Measures:**
– Cities like Paris, London, and Barcelona have successful bike hire schemes.
– Costs for bike hire vary by city, with initial access fees and additional charges per time period.
– Secure cycle-parking facilities and patrolled cycle parks reduce theft.
– Some cities have implemented temporary bans on cycling in certain areas.
– Liability laws regarding cycling infrastructure vary by jurisdiction.
Cycling, also known as bicycling or biking, is the activity of riding a bicycle or other type of cycle. It encompasses the use of human-powered vehicles such as balance bikes, unicycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. Cycling is practised around the world for purposes including transport, recreation, exercise, and competitive sport.
