Guest Article – Bicycle Month: Why You Should Get a Bicycle

It was said that a work becomes a marvel of engineering not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. In engineering, simplicity is indeed beauty. And when it comes to beauty of mechanical engineering, the apple of my eyes is the bicycle.

The bicycle is a simple yet useful machine. It is one of the first sophisticated forms of vehicle that multiplies the work that your body produces, through the use of some simple machines, to increase the distance travelled. And because it’s bicycle month, I will be giving some ideas about the great perks that you can get by using a bicycle. Hopefully, this will help many of us appreciate this beautiful piece of engineering.

Sophisticated Engine
Among all of the vehicles created, the bicycle has one of the most complex and wonderful engines around. Its engine is powered by organic fuels and produces zero pollution. This engine is you, the human body. This vehicle relies on your strength and multiplies that strength through the use of pulleys, levers, wheels and axles which lets you travel at the speeds ranging from 10 kilometres per hour up to 50 kilometres per hour. However, this would depend on your body’s strength and endurance. A stronger and fitter body can sustain faster speeds for longer amounts of time. So speed is not really a problem for cyclers.




Eco Friendly
Many environmental advocates are continuously making serious efforts in order to raise awareness about global warming and how carbon dioxide products of fossil fuels greatly contribute to this. Although the debate has been going on and on whether this is true or not, it is definitely true that we are near to using half of the world’s oil reserves. It may be time to conserve this resource and use this for more necessary purposes. When it comes to travelling short and medium distances, then we should opt to use the bicycle first. And even in long distances, it is extremely enjoyable to use a bike with friends. The trip itself can become just as enjoyable as the destination, or more.

Makes You Stronger
Aside from being a tool for transportation, cycling is one of the most popular choices for people who are concerned with their fitness. Along with running, jogging and swimming, cycling is one of the most popular options for endurance training which can help you achieve a healthier body and good looking physique, which everybody definitely wants.

A More Affordable Choice
Compared to a car or a motorcycle (which I will refer to as bike), bicycle is much, much more affordable. Having a bike can save you large amounts of money in two main ways. First, you do not need to spend money on gas which is downright expensive these days. Second, you can buy a decent brand new bike for only $70, or cheaper is you get it using Walmart coupons. The best bikes that are made with carbon fibre with top of the line parts that are made to provide excellent performance and durability costs around $3,000 to $7,000. This cannot even buy a decent motorcycle, let alone a car.

Last updated by Angela Rogers on August 16, 2013.