Bioinspiration
Reinventing the wheelver heard of the Scottish blacksmith
Kirkpatrick Macmillan? Or how he invented
the modern pedal bicycle around 1839,
paving the way for millions of us to enjoy
speedy, personal two-wheeled transport? Even if you
haven’t, with an estimated two billion bikes in use around
the world today, and 100 million produced every year,
cycling has become one of humankind’s most inexpensive,
environmentally friendly ways to travel.
We’re all aware of the benefits. Bikes consume no fuel, emit
no fumes and need far less energy to manufacture than a car.
Cycling also keeps you fit and it gets you to your destination
three times quicker than walking for the amount of energy
you put in (the average cyclist pedals at a rapid 15.5km/h).
And, just as evolution has provided nature with a constant
research and development department, it is also helping to
make bikes faster and even more environmentally friendly.
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