A Human on a Bicycle Is among the Most Efficient Forms of Travel in the Animal Kingdom

It turns out humans aren’t particularly good at getting around—unless we’re on two wheels. A new look at a 1973 Scientific American chart shows that a person on a bicycle ranks among the most energy-efficient travelers in the animal world, rivaling birds and fish. The reason is simple physics: wheels reduce the effort needed to fight gravity and move forward. Add an aerodynamic shell, and cyclists become even more efficient—nearly gliding across land like swimmers through water. Allison Parshall & DTAN Studio with Scientific American has the full story.

Allison Parshall & DTAN Studio

Scientific American

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