Reducing frictional forces
Air resistance
Bikes, cars and other moving objects experience A force of friction produced when an object moves through the air. as they move. Air resistance is caused by the frictional forces of the air against the vehicle. The faster the vehicle moves, the bigger the air resistance becomes. The top speed of a vehicle is reached when the force from the cyclist or engine is balanced (equal in size, opposite in direction) by air resistance.
Streamlining
Racing cyclists crouch down low on their bikes to reduce the air resistance on them. This helps them to cycle faster. They also wear streamlined helmets. These have special, smooth shapes that allow the air to flow over the cyclist more easily.
Modern vehicles are also streamlined. Their smooth shapes make the air resistance smaller, which allows them to travel further on the same amount of fuel.
Former British Cycling coach Charlie Evans on how physics can help to give cyclists an edge