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The Physics of Bicycle Falls Revisited
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1998;152:411-412.
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I am not a pediatrician (but my wife is). I am not a physicist (but I was a chemist). On the other hand, I am a cycler (>3000 miles [4800 km] in 1997). I do agree that it easier to fall off a bicycle at rest than one in motion. However, I believe Dr Williams' hypothesis1 about which law of physics may explain this situation is unfortunately incorrect. Although both wheels do spin when the bicycle is in motion, the amount of gyroscope force generated is incredibly small because first, the mass of the wheel's periphery (rim and tire) is relatively small and second, the number of revolutions per second is relatively few. To confirm this statement for yourself, take a bicycle, elevate the front wheel off the floor, and test how much force is required to turn the front wheel when the wheel is at rest and when the . . . [Full Text of this Article]
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Bicycle Falls
Barness
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 1998;152:820-820.
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