Across the globe, countless people have turned to the bicycle as their main mode of transportation, be it out of economic necessity or a personal choice to leave the car behind. But the bicycle is also an excellent avenue for setting new world records, and the most recent belongs to the folks at AeroVelo with their prototype ETA. This aerodynamic capsule turned bicycle reached an impressive 139.4 kilometers per hour... on pure muscle power.
The bicycle has not only resisted the passage of time and the arrival of vehicles with greater capabilities, but it continues to find ways to incorporate new elements that expand its efficiency. In the past we have come across developments of smart bikes, or designs that challenge traditional construction parameters, and then we find those who wish to go beyond the limits. For example, how fast can you go on a bicycle? Some used rockets to surpass 300 kilometers per hour, and others threw themselves down a mountain, exceeding 200 km/h. But what brings us here today is the straight-line speed record, using nothing but a pair of legs as the energy source.
A new world record
The new mark belongs to the ETA prototype, developed by AeroVelo. The chosen spot was Battle Mountain, a community in Nevada that serves as home to the World Human Powered Speed Challenge. The previous record was 133.7 kilometers per hour, established in 2013. The video you just saw shows one of AeroVelo's earlier attempts, but the technical difficulties were too great then. This time, the team achieved success with a top speed of 137.9 kilometers per hour, and as if that weren't enough, on the last day of the competition they broke their own record, raising the speed to 139.4 kilometers per hour. Here's the video:
What's next for AeroVelo?
Logically, the next challenge for AeroVelo and the ETA prototype is to break the 140 kilometers per hour barrier. With more adjustments, better materials, consistent training from the rider-pilot, and optimal weather conditions, they will surely achieve it. They have a full year ahead, and I imagine very tough rivals will emerge with the new record on the line.
