Would a person exposed to zero gravity for a long time have trouble riding a bicycle?

Question

I just watched this video by Drew Feustel showing him having trouble walking upright after 197 days on ISS:

https://mobile.twitter.com/Astro_Feustel/status/1075889929119547393

They say once you have learned how to ride a bicycle you can never unlearn this skill (crossed hands excused)

It made me wonder: would people returning from space have to learn how to ride a bicycle the same way they have to learn how to walk again? What about hoverboards or Segways?

AFAIK it's not that they "unlearn" to walk, it's that their sense of balance is messed up once they return from a long space flight and needs some time getting used to gravity again. — DarkDust, Dec 23 '18 at 18:10
@darkdust: this is interesting! But how exactly is it different from "unlearn"? — Quassnoi, Dec 23 '18 at 23:32
@DarkDust I've just asked What exactly makes it difficult for astronauts to walk immediately after landing after extended stays in space? — uhoh, Dec 25 '18 at 00:18

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 23 '18 at 22:12

4

The overwhelming majority of physical issues stemming from prolonged spaceflight are due to loss of muscle and bone mass. Astronauts typically make a full recovery shortly (few months) after their return to Earth's gravity well. Provided they have the physical strength to push the pedals and keep the bike upright, a returning astronaut shouldn't have any trouble riding a bike.

answered Dec 23 '18 at 22:12

Justin Braun

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But not immediately after landing. – Uwe Mar 23 '20 at 15:52

Would a person exposed to zero gravity for a long time have trouble riding a bicycle?

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