Option #5 How it affected policy and society
My project on physics is about how a bicycle gyroscope works. The experiment of how bicycles really work have had a big effect of change on society all over the world. The bicycle is a very helpful, extraordinary machine. The gyroscopic force of the wheels is what keep the bicycle rolling forwards. The evolution of the bicycle and its gyroscopic effect serves as an example of a big technological evolution. The bicycle was created to improve control, safety and efficiency. If it wasn't for the gyroscopic effect, bicycles wouldn't have been designed. The turning bicycle wheel acts like a gyroscope to help stabilize the bicycle. This action helps to turn the bicycle. As time passes, the bicycle has become a very efficient land vehicle; they are now used all over the world. As to economics in society, traveling by bicycle is cheaper than other vehicles or even walking. The bicycle not only has help improve economy, but also personal health and fitness and it also helps the environment. Bicycles have helped improve society to a great extent.
There have been changing trends in bicycling. The picture shows the number of bicycles sold in the U.S. each year from 1955 through 1977. During these years, annual sales increased from about three million to about seven million bicycles per year. In the three years following 1970, annual sales increased from about seven million to over 15 million bicycles per year. There was a dramatic decrease in 1975. Although annual bicycle sales have decreased considerably from their highest point of over 15 million per year, the bike boom cannot be considered at an end because bicycle annual sales currently approach ten million dollars.
Annual bicycle sales from 1955 through 1977
Cross, Kenneth D., and Allen, John S., ed. "BICYCLES AND BICYCLE USERS." ANNUAL BICYCLE SALES. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 20 Aug 1978. Web. 13 Nov 2013. <http://truewheelers.org/research/studies/aaa/02users.htm>.
Estimated value of bicycles in use in the United States from 1935 to 1975.
Cross, Kenneth D., and John S. Allen, eds. "Bicycle-Safety Education." BICYCLES IN USE. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 20 Aug 1978. Web. 13 Nov 2013. <http://truewheelers.org/research/studies/aaa/02users.htm>.
Bicycles not only had a great effect on the United States, but on other countries too.
Vancouver for example, as the population grew, there was a percentage increase in the use of travel options, especially bicycles. This can likely be attributed to the increasing popularity of bikes as well as the slowly improving bicycle infrastructure throughout the region.
"HABILIS." Cycling and transit use see big gains in Metro Vancouver. WordPress, 29 OCTOBER 2012. Web. 13 Nov 2013. <http://habilisblog.com/cycling-and-transit-use-see-big-gains-in-metro-vancouver/>.
Bicycles with their complex way of functioning have helped change the world. They have served as a transportation device since the 1800's. They also serve as a way of exercise that brings benefits to people. Plus, it is a very affordable vehicle. There have been a lot of different bicycle designs that have improved over time. They currently still provide a lot of benefits to our society.