Motorcycles are a fast and efficient mode of transport, used in delivery services, law enforcement and emergency medical responses. However, like all motor vehicles, they pose a number of safety risks to their operators and pedestrians.
Riding a motorcycle is both exhilarating and risky, requiring physical skill to maneuver the vehicle at higher speeds. Motorcyclists must learn to balance acceleration, braking and body position and become adept at changing these parameters on the fly. In addition, they must be mindful of road hazards, such as potholes, oil spills and uneven pavements that decrease traction and lead to accidents.
When the motorcycle first made its debut, it was essentially a bicycle with an engine. Many inventors tried to put engines on bikes in the 1800s, but it was not until 1884 that a British inventor incorporated a gasoline engine onto a three-wheeled motorcycle. Since then, the layout of motorcycles has remained largely unchanged. Modern motorcycles use a gas-fueled engine to convert reciprocating motion into rotary motion, which powers the rear wheel and propels the bike forward. The rider controls the direction of travel by turning the front wheel with the hands and leaning the bike to one side or another with the feet.
Motorcycles are a form of personal freedom and a gateway to a tight-knit community that cultivates camaraderie between riders. Riding a motorcycle can also be therapeutic and psychologically stimulating, allowing riders to take a step back from their daily stresses and explore natureβs raw elements in an unadulterated form.