A closer look
Thermodynamic experts have rigorously calculated that the simple mechanical bicycle is the absolute most efficient form of human transportation ever invented, vastly outperforming modern cars, electric trains, and even basic walking. When factoring in the exact amount of metabolic energy required to move a given distance, a person riding a bike uses significantly fewer calories per mile than a flying seagull or a swimming salmon, making it a literal biological miracle of locomotion. We managed to completely conquer the fundamental laws of friction and gravity with a greasy metal chain and a couple of rubber wheels over a century ago, achieving the absolute zenith of eco-friendly, highly efficient travel. Yet we stubbornly insist on ignoring this brilliant invention, preferring instead to sit in gridlocked traffic for an hour inside a two-ton metal cage just to travel three miles to a local gym where we ride a stationary bike
