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Shu_uemura Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Usage of "bike" and "cycle" as verbs in American English

Hi,

I'd like to know the difference between the usage of "bike" and "cycle" as verbs in American English. I was nonplussed when some college friends couldn't understand the sentence "I cycle to work." One finally corrected me, saying, "Oh, you mean you bike to work."

In that case, why is my college bicycling club called a "cycling club"? Is there anyone who can shed any light on this? Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, and welcome to English Forums. I can't understand why your friends couldn't understand it. Sure, "I bike to work" is more common, but I'd have no trouble understanding you..

— BarbaraPA

  • Hi, and welcome to English Forums.
  • I can't understand why your friends couldn't understand it.
  • Sure, "I bike to work" is more common, but I'd have no trouble understanding you..
  • Perhaps because "a biking club" sounds like people who ride motorcycles?
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2 Answers
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Hi, and welcome to English Forums.

I can't understand why your friends couldn't understand it. Sure, "I bike to work" is more common, but I'd have no trouble understanding you..

Perhaps because "a biking club" sounds like people who ride motorcycles?
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Neither can I. That's why I was seeking answers on an ESL forum, even though I am a native speaker myself.
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