Outline of cycling

Bakfietsmoeder

Amsterdam Cycling 4

Outline of cycling

Cycling, also known as biking or bicycling, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise, or sport. People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists", "bikers", or less commonly, as "bicyclists". Apart from two-wheeled bicycles, "cycling" also includes the riding of unicycles, tricycles, quadracycles, recumbent and similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs). Cycling is widely regarded as a highly effective and efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances.

Bicycles provide numerous benefits in comparison with motor vehicles, including the sustained physical exercise involved in cycling, easier parking, increased maneuverability, and access to roads, bike paths, and rural trails. Cycling also offers a reduced consumption of fossil fuels, less air or noise pollution, and much reduced traffic congestion. These lead to less financial cost to the user as well as to society at large (negligible damage to roads, less road area required). By fitting bicycle racks on the front of buses, transit agencies can significantly increase the areas they can serve.

Types of cycling

Cycling can be categorized in several ways: by purpose, by the equipment used, and by the environment in which it takes place.

By purpose

• Utility cycling - encompasses any cycling done simply as a means of transport rather than as a sport or leisure activity. It includes commuting, going to school, high school or college, doing errands, and delivering goods or services.
• Recreational cycling - includes cycling for leisure and fitness, sightseeing, and mountain biking on off-road trails.
• Racing cycling - involves competition, whether in road racing, track racing, mountain bike racing, cyclo-cross, or BMX racing.

By equipment

• Road bicycles - designed for traveling at speed on paved roads.
• Mountain bikes - designed for off-road cycling.
• Hybrid bicycles - offer features of both road bikes and mountain bikes.
• BMX bikes - designed for BMX racing, a short off-road race on a dirt track.
• Cyclo-cross bikes - a special type of road bike designed to be used in a mixed surface race.
• Electric bicycles - equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling.

By environment

• Urban cycling - cycling in urban areas, involves navigating city streets and paths.
• Rural cycling - cycling in rural areas, can involve long distances on country roads or trails.
• Indoor cycling - using a stationary bike in a gym or home, often for fitness or training purposes.

Cycling infrastructure

• Bike paths - paths designated for use by cyclists away from motor traffic.
• Bike lanes - lanes on roads designated for use by cyclists.
• Bike parking - includes bike racks, bike lockers, and bike cages where cyclists can park their bikes securely.
• Bike-sharing systems - public or private systems that offer bikes for rent or temporary use in urban environments.

Cycling culture

Cycling has developed a rich culture, including bike clubs, races, and other organized rides, as well as a community committed to the advancement of cycling as a mode of transport and recreation. Cycling advocacy and magazines contribute to its culture, promoting new developments in technology and practices to make cycling safer and more accessible.

See also

• Bicycle safety
• Cycling performance
• History of cycling
• List of cycling topics

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