Although the average non-scientist might not see the purpose of such a study, there actually is a lot of value in understanding the physics of bicycle riding. Science and technology advances because scientists look at what seem to laypeople like simple processes and ask, “What is really happening here? What are the physical mechanisms behind this deceptively uncomplicated appearing process?”
By understanding such processes, we can, for example, help disabled people gain mobility. Engineers could even come up with a paradigm-shifting new bicycle design. I’m not thinking very imaginatively here—a physicist or engineer could, I am sure, come up with many other possibilities.
Your points are valid. The investigation should be funded by bicycle companies that stand to gain from such improvements. I can see no role for taxpayers in such a study.
Think free market.
You are trying to say that ALL of the battery operated wheelchairs we paid for out of medicare/medicaid (which ended up a huge scam to the handicap) didn’t solve this?....brings to mind the study of the underarm odor of the Aborigenies we did years ago.
“Engineers could even come up with a paradigm-shifting new bicycle design.”
But then, who could afford such a new & improved bike without a government subsidy...
...oh, nevermind.