Abstract
Since a spinning bicycle wheel is the canonical example of angular momentum, many physicists believe that angular momentum is important to the stability of a bicycle. However, it has been known for a long time that this is not so; angular momentum plays only a very minor role in maintaining bicycle stability. In this talk, I will describe how one balances and steers a bicycle, and how the bike frame aids stability. I will also discuss the curious fact that one generally turns the bike handlebars to the left when one wants to make a right turn, and vice versa.
Coffee and tea will be served 20 minutes prior to the seminar.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend.