You might find yourself at your front door, a five-kilometer commute ahead of you. While walking would take an hour, hopping on your bicycle gets you there in just 15 minutes with minimal sweat. You’re not alone in this preference; over a billion bicycles worldwide showcase their popularity.

<p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/cycling">Cycling</a> has emerged as one of the most energy-efficient forms of <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/transport">transportation</a>, allowing people to cover greater distances more quickly while using less energy than walking or running.</p>

<p>But what makes pedaling feel so much easier than pounding the pavement? It comes down to the biomechanics of how our bodies interact with this remarkable two-wheeled machine.</p>

<h2>A Simple Yet Ingenious Machine</h2>

<p>A bicycle is quite simple at its core: it features two wheels, pedals that transfer power through a chain to the rear wheel, and gears that adjust the effort needed. However, this simplicity belies an engineering marvel that complements human physiology perfectly.</p>

<p>When we walk or run, our bodies fall forward in controlled motions, requiring our legs to swing through large arcs, which consumes a significant amount of energy. Walking a mile, for instance, requires substantial energy as your legs compete against gravity.</p>

<p>In contrast, cycling involves smaller circular movements. Instead of lifting all your leg weight with every step, your thighs and calves simply rotate through a compact pedaling cycle, making the process far more energy-efficient.</p>

<p>Moreover, each time you walk or run, your foot makes contact with the ground, creating vibrations and energy loss. Each step contains a mini-collision that dissipates energy as sound and heat. In essence, you work harder against both gravity and your own braking force, especially as your foot lands ahead of your body.</p>

<h2>The Magic of Wheels</h2>

<p>Bicycles solve these inefficiencies through their wheels. Rather than creating a collision with the ground, there’s a smooth rolling interaction that minimizes energy loss. Each part of the tire gently "kisses" the road, enabling a seamless transfer of energy from your muscle power to forward motion.</p>

<p>Additionally, human muscles have a natural limitation: as they contract faster, their efficiency decreases. That’s why sprinting feels more draining than jogging. Bicycles combat this challenge with gears. By adjusting your gear as you speed up, you can keep your muscles working efficiently, maximizing power while minimizing energy expenditure. It's like having a built-in personal trainer fine-tuning your performance!</p>

<h2>When Walking Takes the Lead</h2>

<p>However, cycling isn't always the clear winner. On steep inclines—greater than about 15 percent—pushing your legs straight out while walking allows you to generate more power than pedaling. Even if paths existed, you wouldn’t be biking up Mount Everest!</p>

<p>And when it comes to downhill routes, the scenario flips. While biking downhill is easier, walking can become challenging as steep gradients contribute to jarring impacts that can stress your joints and waste energy.</p>

<div class="sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center">
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      <img src="https://static.the-independent.com/2021/04/05/22/iStock-1257482022.jpg" srcset="https://static.the-independent.com/2021/04/05/22/iStock-1257482022.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https://static.the-independent.com/2021/04/05/22/iStock-1257482022.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="Walking (or climbing) becomes more effective on very steep hills of more than about 15 percent gradient" class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE"/>
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    <figcaption class="sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 gtVitN hgzWpY">Walking (or climbing) becomes more effective on very steep hills of more than about 15 percent gradient <span class="sc-1cbdeug-7 exGSyR"> <!-- -->(Getty/iStock)--></span></figcaption>
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<h2>Beyond Transportation</h2>

<p>The numbers are impressive: cycling can be at least four times more energy-efficient than walking and eight times more so than running. This efficiency stems from reducing energy drains related to limb movement, ground impact, and muscle speed limitations.</p>

<p>So, the next time you effortlessly cruise past pedestrians during your morning ride, take a moment to appreciate the engineering behind your bicycle. This incredible machine is not just a tool for transportation but a perfect partner in enhancing your physical fitness.</p>

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  <h2 class="sc-1kgrxrh-3 gquCqE">About the author</h2>
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    <p>Anthony Blazevich is a Professor of Biomechanics at Edith Cowan University.</p>
    <p>This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-can-be-4-times-more-efficient-than-walking-a-biomechanics-expert-explains-why-257120">original article.</a></p>
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