The bicycle is one of the cheapest forms of transportation. A new bicycle can cost a few hundred dollars, but used bicycles can cost less than one hundred dollars. The bicycle is also a hyper-efficient form of transportation. Cycling is more efficient than any other mode of transportation. For example, one hundred calories can power a cyclist for approximately 3 miles, but it would only power a car for less than 300 feet. Moreover, using a bicycle can be up to five times more efficient than walking. It is not surprising, therefore, that over one million bicycles are estimated to exist in the world nowadays.
The sociology faculty and graduate students at University of Iowa have a tradition of biking and socializing going back more than two decades. The two-wheeled sociologists’ group was started by former University of Iowa Professor Stephen Wieting, who was an avid cyclist and a prominent researcher in the field of the sociology of sport. During the 2024 fall semester we have restarted this tradition, and organized a few short, family-friendly biking trips. These trips were an opportunity for faculty and graduate students not only to socialize, but also to discuss research in a fun, informal context. The fact that we rewarded ourselves with ice cream or beverages after the rides was an added bonus. We plan to continue this tradition during the 2025 fall semester; so, inflate your tires, and stay tuned!
Two-wheeled sociologists exploring the social fields :)
