Is pedal powered transportation underrated?

[KDOG]

I'm surprised that no one has come up with a viable human powered vehicle. With the composite technology, the gearing technology, etc. I don't see why there isn't a aerodynamic (fairing), high speed pedal powered vehicle. Any thoughts?

 

[vi edit]

With 2/3 of the country being overweight or obese, I think any sort of transportation that requires more physcial activity than selecting a gear is out of the question.

Oh...and nobody wants to be the dork wrapped up in the cigar bike.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: KDOG
I'm surprised that no one has come up with a viable human powered vehicle. With the composite technology, the gearing technology, etc. I don't see why there isn't a aerodynamic (fairing), high speed pedal powered vehicle. Any thoughts?

fastest i've found is about 80 mph.

for the average person maybe 30 is possible.

but then you get where you're going all sweaty.

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
With 2/3 of the country being overweight or obese, I think any sort of transportation that requires more physcial activity than selecting a gear is out of the question.

Oh...and nobody wants to be the dork wrapped up in the cigar bike.

That, and many cities/road systems just aren't well suited for that sort of thing.

 

[beemercer]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
With 2/3 of the country being overweight or obese, I think any sort of transportation that requires more physcial activity than selecting a gear is out of the question.

Oh...and nobody wants to be the dork wrapped up in the cigar bike.

Unfortunately you are right .

 

[Mo0o]

Being sweaty could be a problem if you work in a corporate environment

 

[aircooled]

Actually there is one. I saw it on Discovery or Science channel recently. It cost over 20 grand though. It has a carbon fiber body and three wheels. I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: Here it is, the TWIKE. It's a hybrid electric/pedal power.

 

[cubby1223]

It's called a Twike:
http://www.twike.com/

Would be great if they didn't cost $20,000. They're also hit hard by the US government not wanting them in the US, I've read that several who wanted to import one has had it stuck in customs so long that the holding fees make it even more outragrous and the twike is just scrapped at that point.

 

[alkemyst]

The bicycle is the most efficient vehicle ever made (proper gearing of cource).

Still comfort is what the rich (as a world concept) buy.

 

[wazzledoozle]

I ride my bike everywhere

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
The bicycle is the most efficient vehicle ever made (proper gearing of cource).

Still comfort is what the rich (as a world concept) buy.

w00t for bikes, I need to stop being a wuss and start cold riding. But I've got a wheel out of true and am too stupid to fix it

 

[n yusef]

I'm a cyclist myself, but I'd be scared as fvck to ride in that thing at 80mph.

 

[Ika]

I'd like to bike, but I need a better bike first. And better drivers, while we're at it. Might as well fix the sidewalks too.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I bike to work 1-2 days a week. It's a bit less lately due to the weather and the short days but I really enjoy it. Yes, it is underrated. In fact, there are days where it takes me about the same time to ride the 10 miles to work as it does to drive. I do work in a corporate environment but we have showers at work so I can clean up and be as presentable as anyone else in about 10 minutes.

Instead of sitting in traffic listening to idiots babble about trivial bullshit on the radio I can get in a good workout in the morning and again in the evening and I never have to sit in a crowded sweaty gym touching other peoples germs.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: n yusef
I'm a cyclist myself, but I'd be scared as fvck to ride in that thing at 80mph.

I've hit 50mph on this.

 

[chrisms]

In places that are flat and bike-friendly, bicycles are easier than cars to get around. Unfortunately not as many cities in the world are like Amsterdam and have a decent bike lane network. If the city is flat, there is safe lane, and you're not going over a few miles, the only reason to not use a bike is if you have to haul stuff/people.

 

[doze]

A bicycle is the most efficient way for a person to travel across land, but riding a bicycle to most places is a safety issue for me. For example I live very close to my work but the office is at the intersection of 2 highways on the service road with no back entrance due to RR tracks. The ride would be madness especially now that it gets dark early.

 

[LS20]

i dont see how you can advance "gearing technology". composites are used : carbon fiber bikes. the biggest factor limiting speed is aerodynamics and theyre lessened on recumbent bikes. these can cruise at +10mph above upright bicycles and theyre more comfortable to ride, too. prob is, theyre not too good for going up hills with... and there is visibility problem when riding on the road -- that is , its difficult for cars to spot them

 

[So]

So, wait, you're basically proposing a bicycle with a roof, right?