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>Why has the bicycle design survived if it is so bad? The standard upright bicycle has one major advantage over more efficient designs: better situational awar

by mrob 5y ago

>Why has the bicycle design survived if it is so bad? The standard upright bicycle has one major advantage over more efficient designs: better situational awareness. The rider's head is free to turn without obstruction and high enough to see over cars. I choose to ride an upright for this reason. If I lived in a country with good cycling infrastructure I might have made a different decision.

gameswithgo 5y ago
mrfusion 5y ago
Would you consider using a periscope?
- mrob 5y ago
  No. I need to look at many different angles, so it would have to be attached to my head, which would be hazardous in a crash, and would negate some of the recumbent's comfort advantage. Additionally, the field of view would be smaller than looking directly.
  - mrfusion 5y ago
    How about a fusion of sensors to produce a 360 view like the fancy cars have?
    - mrob 5y ago
      It's possible that technology could usefully augment my senses, but I'd be very skeptical of anything complicated. If it's safety critical I want to be confident it won't fail.
WelcomeShorty 5y ago
Better situational awareness: The exact reason why I choose a particular kind of motorcycle over the "fast ones" that make you lean forwards. These bikes I ride get very little respect in my circles but I will not trade "better situational awareness" for peer respect. I live in a country with good motorcycling infrastructure, still I prioritise the situational awareness.
- bradlys 5y ago
  With the fast ones - you tend to not need much situational awareness because you’re going fast. Nothing is likely to come up behind you or even to the side of you (without you seeing it ahead of you first) because… you’re going fast.