thumb|[[Aleksandr Vlasov (cyclist)|Aleksandr Vlasov riding a Specialized S-WORKS road bike]]

Road cycling is the most widespread form of cycling in which cyclists ride on paved roadways. It includes recreational, racing, commuting, and utility cycling. As users of the road, road cyclists are generally expected to obey the same laws as motorists, however there are certain exceptions. While there are many types of bicycles that are used on the roads such as BMX, recumbents, racing, touring and utility bicycles, dedicated road bicycles have specific characteristics that make them ideal for the sport. Road bicycles generally have thinner tires, lighter frames with no suspension, and a set of drop handle bars to allow riders to get in a more aerodynamic position while cycling at higher speeds. On a flat road, an intermediate cyclist can average about , while a professional rider can average up to . At higher speeds, wind resistance becomes an important factor; at speeds above 30 km/h (19 mph), overcoming aerodynamic drag accounts for over 75% of a cyclist's expended energy. Aerodynamic road bikes have been developed over the years to ensure that as much as possible of the rider's energy is spent propelling the bike forward. The first steel bicycles weighed as much as 80 pounds,

On May 31, 1868, cycling officially became a sport with the first race occurring at Saint-Cloud Park in France. While this first race was not considered a road race, road cycling races began to pop up throughout Europe in the 1870s. You can find a breakdown of all cycling laws by state here.

Helmets

While laws on wearing helmets vary by jurisdiction in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and death in the event of an accident.

thumb|Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries when cycling.

Crash prevention

In 2019, 846 cyclists were killed in road related accidents in the United States.

  • Accell Group
  • Cervelo
  • Dorel Sports
  • Giant Bicycles
  • Merida Industry Co., Ltd
  • Pinarello
  • Shimano
  • SRAM
  • Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
  • Scott Sports SA
  • Trek Bicycle Corporation

See also

  • Bicycle safety
  • Bicycle messenger
  • Cycle rickshaw
  • Cycling infrastructure
  • Outline of cycling
  • Road Bike Racing
  • Tour de France
  • Grand Tours

References