A bicycle, often called a bike (and sometimes referred to as a "pushbike", "pedal bike", "pedal cycle", or "cycle"), is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.

Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number about one billion worldwide, twice as many as automobiles. They are the principal means of transportation in many regions. They also provide a popular form of recreation, and have been adapted for such uses as children's toys, adult fitness, military and police applications, courier services and bicycle racing.

The basic shape and configuration of a typical upright bicycle has changed little since the first chain-driven model was developed around 1885. However, many details have been improved, especially since the advent of modern materials and computer-aided design. These have allowed for a proliferation of specialized designs for particular types of cycling.

The invention of the bicycle has had an enormous impact on society, both in terms of culture and of advancing modern industrial methods. Several components that eventually played a key role in the development of the automobile were originally invented for the bicycle, including ball bearings, pneumatic tires, chain-driven sprockets, and spoke-tensioned wheels.

Noun

bicycle (plural bicycles)

1. A vehicle that has two wheels, one behind the other, a steering handle, and a saddle seat or seats and is usually propelled by the action of a rider’s feet upon pedals.
2. A traveling block used on a cable in skidding logs.
3. The best possible hand in lowball.

• bike (colloquial)
• cycle
• push bike, pushbike
• velocipede
• See also Wikisaurus:bicycle

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• CycleStreets
  cyclestreets.net
  UK cycle photomap and journey planner, including options for the fastest and quietest routes.
• GPS Cycle Routes
  gps-routes.co.uk
  Collection of cycle routes in GPS format with on-line maps, elevation profiles and route guides.
• OnYourBike
  onyourbike-llp.co.uk
  Information on the government's Green Transport Plan Cycle to Work scheme. Tax-free bikes for employees through an employer, free advice and support.

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  Wed May 4 07:00:57 2011