Handlebar-locomotion
 

In the book Bicycling Science it is said that a bike can be propelled solely by turning the handlebars from side to side at a certain rate (about 1.5 times per second).

Has anyone done this? (Is there a video?)

Supposedly it's possible to cruise along at about 6-7mph this way.

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If someone knows how to do this, or succeeds with it, please post, and let us know more about it.

Have you tried it?

There's a thread in A & S about weird stuff like this--perhaps you could ask there :D .

East Hill

Well, I tried this at home, folks. I can tell you it does not work going uphill.

East Hill

Turn around. It worked great for me. :)

Yes. My friends and I used to have races and distance runs as kids doing it. My guess is that it works better with wider tired bikes. It's the same friction principle as roller skating without lifting your feet, or those new adult size 3 wheel scooters. Oh, you have to lean into it as well.

It works.
You can also do a decent no-pedal launch by track standing, throwing your weight back against the brakes, and then releasing on the return.

I think I will have to try again with the MTB, then.

I could get it to work on the flat (using the Nishiki International) , but uphill was not a happenin' thing. Downhill was much easier :) .

East Hill