HanrahanOct 14

The Most Efficient Traveler Isn’t a Bird or a Fish—It’s You on a Bike

https://slrpnk.net/post/28855070

The Most Efficient Traveler Isn’t a Bird or a Fish—It’s You on a Bike - SLRPNK

Non paywalled version https://archive.md/wZytx [https://archive.md/wZytx] Turns out a car is particularly inefficient… Who knew /s

Show threadShanedinoOct 15
False headline are not fun, a Pelican using the ground effect had to be way not efficient.
Show threadNatanael

That’s like comparing only to a person on a bike downhill

Maybe compare to birds tracking upwards air currents to move while hovering, as they actually maintain a low average energy expenditure while moving

Oct 15 at 6:45amWeb
Show thread8uurgOct 15

And even that would be similar to someone cycling uphill, supported by the wind. Using air currents is efficient, but requires there to be air currents to use.

Gliding is really efficient for the distance covered, however: rolling resistance of wheels and the air resistance of a (not as aerodynamic) person is higher (and hence less efficient) than birds.