BICYCLE

Definition of BICYCLE

BICYCLE Noun

A bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels, typically propelled by pedals and steered by handlebars. It is a popular mode of transportation, recreation, and sport worldwide.

As a noun, a bicycle refers to the vehicle itself—a two-wheeled vehicle consisting of a frame, pedals, handlebars, and wheels. Bicycles come in various types, including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and cruisers, each designed for different purposes and terrains.

Components and Features: Key components of a bicycle include the frame, which provides structural support and determines the bike’s size and geometry, the wheels, which are typically made of metal rims and rubber tires, and the drivetrain, consisting of pedals, cranks, chain, and gears for propulsion.

Modes of Propulsion: Bicycles are propelled by human power, with riders pedaling to rotate the bike’s chain and drive the rear wheel forward. Some bicycles also feature additional propulsion mechanisms, such as electric motors (e-bikes) or internal combustion engines (motorized bicycles).

Versatility and Utility: Bicycles are valued for their versatility and utility, serving as efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transportation for commuting, running errands, and leisurely rides. They offer health benefits, environmental advantages, and cost savings compared to motorized vehicles.

Recreation and Sport: In addition to practical transportation, bicycles are used for recreation and sport. Cycling enthusiasts enjoy activities such as road cycling, mountain biking, BMX riding, and touring, as well as organized events like races, charity rides, and group rides.

Cultural Impact: Bicycles have had a significant cultural impact worldwide, influencing fashion, design, literature, and art. They symbolize freedom, independence, and adventure and have been featured prominently in films, music, and advertising campaigns.

Safety and Advocacy: Safety is a key consideration for cyclists, with advocacy groups promoting measures such as helmet use, bike lanes, and laws to protect cyclists on roads. Bicycle advocacy organizations also work to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.

In conclusion, the bicycle is a versatile and widely used vehicle that serves as a mode of transportation, recreation, and sport. With its simple yet effective design, the bicycle offers numerous benefits to individuals and society, from promoting physical fitness and reducing traffic congestion to fostering a sense of community and connection with the environment. Whether used for daily commutes, weekend adventures, or competitive races, the bicycle remains an enduring symbol of human ingenuity and mobility.

PLAYING CARDS

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PUZZLE

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CROSSWORD

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VIRTUE

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Examples of BICYCLE in a sentence

• She rode her bicycle to work every day, enjoying the fresh air and exercise.
• The children raced their bicycles around the park, laughing and shouting with joy.
• He purchased a new bicycle with gears to tackle the hilly terrain.
• They went for a leisurely ride along the riverbank, their bicycles gliding smoothly over the path.
• The mechanic repaired the punctured tire on her bicycle.
• He attached a basket to the front of his bicycle to carry groceries home from the store.
• She adorned her bicycle with colorful streamers and a bell.
• They rented bicycles to explore the city during their vacation.

Origin of BICYCLE

The term bicycle has its roots in 19th-century English, representing a pivotal innovation in transportation that revolutionized personal mobility.

• French Influence: The term bicycle stems from the French words “bi,” meaning two, and “cycle,” derived from the Greek word “kyklos,” meaning circle or wheel. This combination reflects the defining feature of bicycles: two wheels in tandem.
• 19th-Century Development: The modern bicycle emerged in the early 19th century with the invention of the “velocipede” or “dandy horse,” a precursor featuring two wheels aligned, propelled by pushing off the ground with the feet. This design evolved into the “penny-farthing,” characterized by a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel.
• Adoption of the Term: The term bicycle gained prominence in the mid-19th century to describe these innovative wheeled contraptions. It provided a succinct and descriptive label for the vehicle’s fundamental structure: two wheels connected by a frame.
• Popularization and Evolution: As bicycle design continued to evolve, with the introduction of the chain drive and pneumatic tires in the late 19th century, the term bicycle became synonymous with various types of human-powered vehicles with two wheels. This includes modern iterations such as road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bicycles.
• Contemporary Usage: In contemporary usage, bicycle refers to a wide range of human-powered or electric vehicles with two wheels, typically propelled by pedaling. Bicycles are valued for their efficiency, sustainability, and versatility, serving as transportation, recreation, and exercise vehicles worldwide.

Through its evolution from French roots to widespread adoption in English and its enduring significance in modern transportation, the term bicycle encapsulates the ingenuity, mobility, and cultural impact of this revolutionary mode of travel.

COMMUTE

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WITNESS

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ANATOMY

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MARINER

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