mart
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The humble bicycle has been described as the most efficient machine in the world. What aspects of this efficiency (if any) has been replicated in other machines?
There are some interesting stats in the link below. For example, the train is more efficient than a horse. The horse does not require the same level of servicing like a train does, unless you live in Wales.
Horse & rider: 10 Kcal/km per person
Train & riders: 30 Kcal/km per person
The number of riders on the train to make the above calculation is not stated. However, I would imagine that if the train is running at 50% of passenger capacity, then the efficiency figures must reduce.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/humanpower1.html
There are some interesting stats in the link below. For example, the train is more efficient than a horse. The horse does not require the same level of servicing like a train does, unless you live in Wales.
Horse & rider: 10 Kcal/km per person
Train & riders: 30 Kcal/km per person
The number of riders on the train to make the above calculation is not stated. However, I would imagine that if the train is running at 50% of passenger capacity, then the efficiency figures must reduce.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/humanpower1.html