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I recently saw a science show covering human powered bicycle that could go up to 120km per hour, and it did so mainly due to its extremely low wind resistance and smooth bearings-additionally the pedals were close together so the rider would get a full turn of the wheel with one inch of movement, and
all the gears were much harder than on a normal bike. The show made me think that if a puny humans can travel at such an impressive speed, what could something stronger do?
Elephants are heavy, which means they could pedal at a very high gear, and can be remarkably fast when need be; two elephants would probably* be able to pull a subway car on 6 hour shifts without much fatigue.
Besides the overwhelming amusement factor, the pollution elephant’s produce is far easier to deal with than that from cars. Elephant bicycle transit would be good for the economy in that it would open up whole new fields, elephant training would go from an obscure practice to being a bachelors degree overnight, and manufacturing giant diapers would become a whole new industry.
Simulations regarding an elephants bicycle speed only exist in my imagination, however trust me, they are dazzling!
Steer-by-trunk
http://web.mit.edu/...ailand/P8020189.JPG
[Shz, Jan 17 2006]
[link]
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//the pollution elephant's produce is far easier to deal with than that from cars// |
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Maybe so from an environmental point of view, but try telling that to the council in charge of cleaning up the sh*t. |
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Hmm - aerodynamic profile comparison between slim human shape and slightly bigger elephant, factor in reinforced bike for elephant, multiply power output by two (4 legs), steer-by-trunk controls...
I can see it now. You could even burn exhaust methane for extra thrust!
One problem - how do you pacify an elephant with road rage? |
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//how do you pacify an elephant with road rage// Emergency brake consisting of small squeaky mouse. |
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Sorry, but the US tried using pigs to keep New York's streets clean, and all they did was recycle it into something fouler-smelling. Now you're talking about using something much, much bigger, and in tunnels where the sh*t will eventually build up and cause blockages. Thanks but no thanks. |
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I didn't realize the NYPD was that corrupt... |
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I think you might need to pin back the ears, to make them really aero-dynamic. |
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//Elephants are heavy, which means they could pedal at a very high gear// There's a flaw there, but the whole idea is too silly to bother with. Humorous, sorta, but I'm getting tired of funny ideas. - |
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I recall reading years ago about a man with an amazing sense of smell who was called in to identify the lingering stench in a tunnel. He said it was elephant poop. Investigation revealed that circus elephants had spent some time on the ground above the tunnel. Makes me wonder what it would be like to ride behind two sweaty elephants in a New York subway tunnel reeking of leftover droppings. |
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You had my bun with the name. |
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