The Counterintuitive Physics of Turning a Bike

The video explains the counterintuitive nature of bike steering. Unlike cars, turning the handlebars on a bike causes it to lean, leading to a change in direction. To turn left, you initially turn the handlebars right, causing the bike to lean left. This leftward lean results in a left turn due to the forces involved. Conversely, to turn right, you start by counter steering left. Maintaining a right turn requires applying a slight torque to prevent oversteering. The video highlights the unique physics of bike steering and the need for counterintuitive actions to achieve desired turns.

Describe how leaning affects the direction of a bike.

What is the relationship between the bike's wheels and its center of mass during a turn?