Bicycles give a lot of kids their first taste of freedom. They can travel alone! They can go farther and faster than ever before. Most of the 66 million or so bikes in the U.S. today are for kids.
Many kids and adults ride bikes for fun. Bikes are also great for getting in shape and going places. In poorer countries, they’re used for getting around. About 80 percent of all bikes are in poorer countries. Bikes are as important in China as cars are in the United States.
Whether used for fun or for transport, bikes are the best low-tech way to get around. They have also changed fashions and created new sports. Bikes have even won battles. The first airplane was launched with help from bikes! No wonder the bike is the world’s most popular vehicle.