Cycling, also called 

bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport.

[1]
 People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists",[2] "bikers",[3] or less commonly, as "bicyclists".[4] Apart
from two-wheeled bicycles, "cycling" also includes the riding of unicycles, tricycles, quadracycles, recumbent
and similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs).
Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number approximately one billion worldwide.[5] They are
the principal means of transportation in many parts of the world.
Cycling is widely regarded as a very effective and efficient mode of transportation[6][7] 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).[8] By fitting bicycle racks on the front of buses, transit agencies can
significantly increase the areas they can serve.[9]
Among the disadvantages of cycling are the requirement of bicycles (excepting tricycles or quadracycles) to be
balanced by the rider in order to remain upright, the reduced protection in crashes in comparison to motor
vehicles,[10] often longer travel time (except in densely populated areas), vulnerability to weather conditions,
difficulty in transporting passengers, and the fact that a basic level of fitness is required for cycling moderate to
long distances.
Recreational
Bicycle touring

In the Netherlands, bicycles are freely available for use in the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

Tour de Fat group ride in Portland, Oregon

Bicycles are used for recreation at all ages. Bicycle touring, also known as cyclotourism, involves touring and
exploration or sightseeing by bicycle for leisure. A brevet or randonnée is an organized long-distance ride.
One popular Dutch pleasure is the enjoyment of relaxed cycling in the countryside of the Netherlands. The land
is very flat and full of public bicycle trails and cycle tracks where cyclists are not bothered by cars and other
traffic, which makes it ideal for cycling recreation. Many Dutch people subscribe every year to an event
called fietsvierdaagse — four days of organised cycling through the local environment. Paris–Brest–
Paris (PBP), which began in 1891, is the oldest bicycling event still run on a regular basis on the open road,
covers over 1,200 km (746 mi) and imposes a 90-hour time limit. Similar if smaller institutions exist in many
countries.

Bicycle touring means self-contained cycling trips for pleasure, adventure, and autonomy rather than sport,
commuting, or exercise. Touring can range from single-to multi-day trips, even years. Tours may be planned
by the participant or organised by a holiday business, a club, or a charity as a fund-raising venture.

Organized rides
Many cycling clubs hold organized rides in which bicyclists of all levels participate. The typical organized ride
starts with a large group of riders, called the mass, bunch or even peloton. This will thin out over the course of
the ride. Many riders choose to ride together in groups of the same skill level to take advantage of drafting.
Most organized rides, for example cyclosportives (or gran fondos), Challenge Rides or reliability trials, and hill
climbs include registration requirements and will provide information either through the mail or online
concerning start times and other requirements. Rides usually consist of several different routes, sorted by
mileage, and with a certain number of rest stops that usually include refreshments, first aid and maintenance
tools. Routes can vary by as much as 100 miles (160 km).
Mountain
Mountain biking began in the 1970s, originally as a downhill sport, practised on customized cruiser
bicycles around Mount Tamalpais.[26] Most mountain biking takes place on dirt roads, trails and in purpose-built
parks. Downhill mountain biking has just evolved in the recent years and is performed at places such as
Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Slopestyle, a form of downhill, is when riders do tricks such as tailwhips, 360s,
backflips and front flips. There are several disciplines of mountain biking besides downhill. Cross country, often
referred to as XC, all mountain, trail, free ride, and newly popular enduro.
Other
The Marching and Cycling Band HHK from Haarlem (the Netherlands) is one of the few marching bands
around the world which also performs on bicycles.

Recreation

Whether you’re interested in exercise, spending time outdoors or just exploring your neighborhood,
recreational biking is a fun way to get moving! Just like any kind biking, the first step to recreational biking is
to review the basic starting points of riding a bike and learn the rules of the road.
Although recreational biking does not require any additional preparation or knowledge beyond the basics,
these tips might make your ride more enjoyable.

Clothing: You do not need special clothing or shoes to bike for recreation. Wear whatever makes you
comfortable. Check out the clothing and gear section for more information about what to wear when biking.
Water and food: It’s always a good idea to bring water and a snack. You never know when your ride will take
your further than expected!
Carrying stuff: You may want to carry extra clothes, water, food or other items on your bike. Check out
the equipment and accessories section for ideas how to carry stuff on your bike.

Clothing and Gear

You do not need special, bike-specific clothes to ride or be comfortable on a bike. And you definitely do not
need bike-specific clothes to look good on a bike. Many people find the key to looking and feeling great when
biking is to just wear their normal clothes. Wear a skirt, your favorite hoodie, a three-piece suit, old gym shorts
or spandex—whatever works for you.

Biking is no different from every other activity in that you must dress appropriately for the weather to stay
comfortable. While everyone has their own preferences and strategies for staying comfortable, below are a few
general guidelines for some common Minnesota weather conditions. Clothing choice is highly personal and
everyone should experiment to find out what works for them. Wear something stylish and comfortable you
already own; no need for specialized clothes. If it’s cold, wear warmer clothes. If you get too sweaty, slow
down.

Rain
Waterproof clothing is key to staying dry and warm when it’s wet outside. Rain jackets and rain pants can be
easily worn over normal clothing. Waterproof footwear is great, too. Head-to-toe waterproof gear is available in
many different styles at a wide range of price points. Check out your local outdoor clothing retailer, used
clothing shops, or army surplus store.

Cold
Dressing right in the cold is key to enjoying your ride. While you do not need special or expensive clothing to
ride in the winter, you will need some additional layers to stay comfortable. Everyone has their own comfort
level when it comes to cold weather, so you will have to experiment to find our what works for you. Some
general considerations:
Head: Wear a hat or headband to keep your ears and top of your head warm. Winter helmets In very cold
weather, covering your face with a scarf, neck gaiter or balaclava. Googles can be great for very cold and
windy situations.
Torso: In moderately cold weather, try a light jacket, windbreaker or rain jacket. As it gets colder, wear
sweaters or other insulating layers under your jacket. In very cold conditions, consider wearing your winter
jacket.
Legs: Long underwear can be worn under most pants as an insulating layer. Wind and rain pants can be worn
on top to protect against the elements.
Hands: Wear mittens or gloves that block the wind. In very cold weather, consider wearing thinner gloves
inside larger mittens.
Feet: Shoes or boots with enough room to fit warm socks is key. You should have enough room to wiggle your
toes in warm socks. In very cold weather, consider boots with insulation are necessary to keep their toes
warms if outside for longer periods of time.
For more details on a common approach to layering, the 3-layer system, check out REI's Layering Basics
article.
Heat
While you can always put more layers in cold weather, you only have so many options for staying comfortable
in the heat. The most important thing when biking in the heat is to stay hydrated, protect yourself from too
much sun exposure and stop if it is too hot. Wearing light weight clothes and a large hat that keep the sun off
you can keep you cooler than having your skin directly exposed. If your skin is exposed, consider applying
sunscreen as needed.

You may also consider riding slower. Taking it easy in the heat is never a bad idea.

Shoes
You do not need special shoes or pedals to bike. You can ride in high heels, dress shoes, sneakers, sandals--
whatever works for you. Some people use use special shoes that clip into special pedals, attaching their foot to
the bike. This system is called “clipless" and is not necessary for athletic riding.