Making electricity using stationary bikes?

What do you think about having stationary bikes that are tied into a cities electrical grid? They could be set up at various locations thruout a city, where the homeless or anyone with a little unspent energy could pedal. We could have some sort of meter, so that people could get paid for the electricity they generated. This does not only provide money or a place to exercise, but it also helps save our fossil fuels. Whether for money or turning back your carbon footprint, I could imagine lawyers or soccer moms pedaling next to the homeless.

Yes, you can generate electricity by pedaling as Halsca mentions. I have several hand held crack lights myself which work pretty good. I saw a news report about a week ago, and one small city runs entirely on 4 windmills. Picture those windmills in your mind, now imagine how many humans it would take to turn those windmills by hand. I imagine 1 or 2 people walking steadily could compare to the force of wind. Think about those horses we use to use, that would walk in circles pumping up water. Instead of horses we use people and in stead of water we pump energy.
Also, I dont believe the cost would be too significant. I live in San Francisco, where we give every homeless person 400 a month, so Im sure a city like ours, who also thinks green, would invest in people and our planet. Rememberr folks, we are trying to make a difference and every little bit helps.

The power generated would be so insignificant it would not be worth it.

Matt's right, you probably couldn't even generate enough electricity from one person to power a television. The energy it would take to build and set up the bikes would be higher than what you would get out of it. So it would be counter-productive, but hey, atleast you're thinking of alternate energy sources.

Hook up a car alternator and a normal light bulb and see if you can make it blow. If you had a 100W light bulb you would then have generated more than 100W. If you can't blow the light bulb then it won't be successful. Otherwise set up in the gym and give discounts according to savings on the electricity bill.

In some third world countries stationary bikes are used to power computers, washing machines and other labor saving devices.

I remember reading about a man who rigged up a pedal powered TV because he was sick and tired of watching his kids lay around and get fat.

Not a bad idea but the cost of setting up and maintaining such a network would far exceed what it would put back.

EDIT: Generators have copper wiring. Homeless people, they come in two classes you know. Those who are down and out wanting a hand up and the "professionals" who like it and are looking only for a handout. I've come to learn the majority are the pros, give them a handout they'll only want more.

How are you gonna keep them from tearing them down and recycling the copper? Dude I live in LA and read all the time about the homeless getting fried trying to strip wiring from streetlights, parks and vacant homes. You're not gonna get the majority of them to do squat unless they're forced into to it.

Its all about efficiency and economy..........I don't want to rain on your parade but......

1KWH = 860 Calories (nutritional)

860 calories is easily available in a McDonalds Burger, Fries Shake and maybe apple pie (if not more) .

This $6.00 McDonalds meal is your fuel which you are going to pedal your A$$ off to make a single KWH of electricity. My local electric company charges $0.15 for the same amount of electricity. Its also going to take you a lot longer than an hour of pedaling to make a single KWH....

Now in terms of saving fossil fuel consider how much carbon loading it took to get that McDonalds Hamburger onto your plate. Energy to grow food, transport it to/from processors, cooking it etc..... Your using way more energy to produce that burger so you can create some pedal power than directly converting oil to electricity.

Riding your bike 12miles will take about an hour or less and save you atleast $2.00 in gas. Using a bike or taking public transportation instead of driving your car would be the way to go.


Dump the Pump

Many public transportation systems are offering a free day of transit to encourage ridership. (see Gatra) Check your local systems and give Public Tansportation a try.