An Introduction to the 10-Speed Bike

A former machine operator at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, Barry Baldwin spent nearly three decades with the New York City Transit Authority as a bus operator. During this time, he earned numerous safety awards. Beyond his professional activities, Barry Baldwin enjoys staying physically fit. He walks several times per week and rides his 10-speed bike every weekend.

A 10-speed bike is a commonly seen multi-gear bicycle that allows riders to easily shift gears depending on the terrain and incline before them. To determine how many gears a bike has, simply multiply the number of rear sprockets by the number of chainrings on the front tire. A 10-speed would feature 10 sprockets and a single chainring.

The purpose of a multi-gear design is to assist riders in maintaining comfortable speeds and consistent levels of physical effort. For example, consider a cyclist riding along a flat, well-kept road at a leisurely cadence. If this rider is suddenly presented with a steep hill to climb or a gradual decline, they will need to adjust their gear to maintain the same cadence, an impossibility with a single-speed model.

High gears are better suited to descents, or other scenarios in which the cyclist is riding at high speeds. A bike’s highest gear is reached by setting the chainring to its largest size and moving down to the smallest rear sprocket. On the other hand, lower gears help the rider maintain momentum when pedaling up a steep incline.

It should be noted that gears and sprockets have no impact on relative speed. A 30-speed bike, for example, is no way faster than a 10 speed, nor is it an inherently better-made product. Furthermore, beginners must appreciate that “10 speed” is one of the most generic categories a bike can be put into. It is advisable to conduct research and speak with a professional regarding individual needs and desires, including a budget, when purchasing a bike.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and Public Transportation

A longtime resident of New York City, Barry Baldwin worked as a bus driver for the NYC Transit Authority for more than 17 years. In recognition of his outstanding safety record, New York City bus driver Barry Baldwin received professional accolades including an American with Disabilities Act certificate, which specifically recognized his service to people with disabilities.

Public transportation is required by law to comply with the American with Disabilities Act, a civil rights acts passed in 1990 that ensures all citizens have equal rights to services. This means that bus drivers cannot refuse to pick up an individual with a disability, nor can they request that the person transfer seats. Likewise, transportation providers are required to request that a non-disabled person using “priority” seating move if the space is required by a person with a disability.

According to the ADA, individuals with disabilities cannot be required to travel with an attendant, and they cannot be required to utilize paratransit, a shared ride service with pre-scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs. In addition, service animals are allowed to accompany individuals with disabilities in transportation facilities and vehicles.