Dutch team nab Guinness record for world’s longest bicycle at a whopping 180 feet

In a feat of serious cycling ingenuity that is breathtaking to behold, a team of eight enthusiasts from, you guessed it, the Netherlands has created the world’s longest bicycle. The bicycle measures an astounding 55.16 meters (180 feet and 11 inches).  According to the fine folks at the Guinness World Records, this impressive length is comparable to the size of two blue whales or four double-decker buses placed end-to-end. The previous record of 47.5 meters (155 feet 8 inches) was held by Bernie Ryan from Australia since 2020.

Ivan Schalk, the 39-year-old leader of the team, told Guinness that he has been nurturing the ambitious idea of the world’s longest bicycle since childhood after being inspired by a World Records book he received as a gift.

“I’ve been thinking about the idea for years,” said Schalk. “I once received a Guinness World Records book in which I came across this record.”

The journey to this record-breaking achievement began in 2018, with Schalk utilizing his experience in building carnival floats to guide the project. Enlisting help from the local carnival community in Prinsenbeek, known for its technical expertise and volunteer spirit, the team embarked on the intricate task of constructing the colossal bike.

The process was not without its challenges, including a nearly two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team manufactured the front and rear parts of the bicycle in-house while sourcing the center section from a company specializing in long steel structures. The bicycle conforms to the Guinness World Records definition, requiring it to be a pedaled vehicle with two wheels, one behind the other, and handlebars for steering.

The Guinness world’s longest bicycle new record holder (photo: Guinness World Records)

After years of meticulous planning and construction, the team finally completed their creation. The official record attempt involved two team members – one steering at the front and the other pedaling at the back – successfully riding the bicycle over a 100-meter distance to secure the Guinness World Records title. Additionally, by adding more pedals, they also set a record for the longest tandem bicycle, accommodating multiple riders.

“We left nothing to chance in terms of safety,” Schalk emphasized, in the Guiness article. “You can see this, for example, in the fact that the cyclists are not outside the structure, but inside it.”

The record-breaking world’s longest bicycle will now be displayed at the Prinsenbeek local history museum, serving as a testament to the town’s engineering prowess and community spirit.