Unicycling on the Streets of Manhattan
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA 
on 10.24.07
From paramedics to cops, we’ve often been impressed by the ability of bicycles to cut through traffic. However, we hadn’t, until now, given much consideration to the unicycle as a form of urban transport. The rider in the above video clearly shows some awesome riding skills on his chosen mode of clean transport. We just wish he’d show comparable social skills in consideration of pedestrians and motorists. ::YouTube::via site visit::
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The unicycle is a lot of fun. But it is not a practical alternative transportation for most of us. It is a great workout but not very efficient -- no glide. It takes forever to learn and is probably impossible for people over 40 with inelastic brain cells. It is a great attention getter but subjects you to incessant calls of "Hey buddy!! You lost your front wheel!"
he seems to be able to change directions very quickly, but what i want to know is how he would brake at that speed? wouldn't he just fall flat on his face?
A unicycle is not like a bicycle - there's no chain or gear system to transfer energy to a wheel that would otherwise run on and on until you brake. The pedals are conected to the wheel in such a way that if you stop pedaling, the wheel stops moving. That's what jk meant by "no glide"
Yeah, really cool talking on a cell phone on a unicycle through busy streets and sidewalks..
No Glide, you mean coasting. Most bicycles have freewheels which enable coasting which means just not pedaling & expecting to keep on going. A unicycle is similar to a Fixed Gear Bicycle. These have one gear & do not have a freewheel. It works the same as a Unicycle though it has two wheels. These don't need brakes as stopping consist of pulling up the front pedal & pushing down the rear, which just needs getting used to.
Unicycling is a great form of transportation while getting a great workout.
Yes, unicycling usually takes a while to learn. Much like learning to ride a bike. That is the reason I invented the Uni-Trainer (patent pending). With proper instruction, I get 90% of the people who I train up and riding in 3-5 hours.
The great part about a unicycle is that, you have 2 breaks and two shocks (your left and right leg. If you want to stop just stop pedaling. You can stay on the uni if you learn to idle in one spot.
Just so everyone knows, I rode on the sidewalks and streets in that way just to shoot the DVD that this video was part of. I'm 41 with two kids, it's not an everyday ride. I ride mostly MUni (mountain Unicycling).