Analysis of human factors issues relating to the design and function of bicycles

The cycling industry is now the largest sporting goods market in the world, with global salesof£ 28 billion (€ 33 billion) amounting to 15% of all sporting goods revenue. There is a largebody of research relating to cycling related activities and mostly these consider the commondiamond “safety” framed bicycles. There are a number of areas that could benefit from directinput from ergonomics, including the redesign of braking grips for drop handlebars on roadbicycles, and the verification and validation of products for specialist performance. The design of bicycles for human wellbeing and performance comes into question with the ubiquityof standard upright “safety” bicycles when compared with the performance and ergonomic benefits of recumbent bicycles.