A Brief History of Human Powered Transportation

The Future

Does human-powered land transportation have a future? In Vietnam people still move large loads using modified bicycles. This was also a common feature in Europe prior to the 1950s.

The delivery vehicle shown in the lower photograph is being tested by Britain's royal Mail for local delivery. The recumbent position permits the rider to apply greater forces to the pedals. Rider protection against the climate seems to be minimal, but this is England!

From: "Passage to Vietnam," Against All Odds (1995)

From: The Manchester Guardian, October 26, 1997