I think the definition Jack that gave for ONE-WHEELED VEHICLE
would be closer to my preference for UNICYCLE. I dislike the notion
of calling obviously multi-wheeled vehicles "one-wheeled" merely
because only one wheel is in contact with the ground.
What about bicycles when they are ridden in a "wheelie", ie,
with only one wheel touhing the ground? Are they one-wheeled vehicles,
or unicycles, for the duration of the wheelie?
Another problem with Jack's definition is that it doesn't
specify that the single wheel is to be the *sole* contact with the
ground. Consider a hypothetical "ordinary bicycle", such as a
Pennyfarthing, with the minor wheel replaced by a skid. Should this
be considered a unicycle, when the skid is providing substantial
support? (Hmmm, maybe it should...)
On the other hand, consider a standard unicycle being ridden
as an ultimate wheel, with the seat dragging on the ground behind the
rider. Is it no longer a unicycle because the seat is in contact with
the ground? Perhaps we need to discriminate on whether any contact
points, other than the specified one wheel, provide substantial
support to the rider(s).
So:
UNICYCLE Any kind of vehicle which, when in use, uses a single
wheel as its sole supporting contact with the ground.
Note that I chose "when in use" instead of, say, "normal
operation". I want to allow bicycles to be considered unicycles, for
purposes such as eligibility for competition, so long as only one
wheel touches the ground (thus, providing support) throughout the
duration of the competitive heat or performance.
>BTW, many European languages use some word similar to "monocycle".
At the Unicon in Quebec City, our hosts used "monocycle"
(except maybe I don't have the French orthography correct) for what I
would call a "unicycle". This grated upon me intensely, as I had been
raised in the American unicycle vs. monocycle distinction as outlined
by portions of Jack's message (that I did't include above).
Craig Milo Rogers