pedalar

Pedalar is a Portuguese verb meaning to pedal, the action of propelling a bicycle or other pedal-powered vehicle by pressing the pedals with the feet. It is used in everyday language to describe riding a bike for transportation, recreation, or sport, and it appears in discussions of technique, training, and equipment.

Etymology: The verb is formed from the noun pedal with the standard Portuguese verb suffix -ar. The noun pedal refers to the lever operated by the foot and is cognate with related terms in other Romance languages.

Usage and practice: In cycling, pedaling involves rotating the crank to drive the chain and the rear wheel. Riders manage cadence, measured in revolutions per minute, and may shift gears to maintain a comfortable and efficient pedaling rhythm. Pedaling technique can affect energy use and comfort, with emphasis on a smooth, circular pedal stroke and efficient power transfer through the full pedal cycle.

Grammatical forms and related terms: The present participle is pedalando (he/she is pedaling), and the noun for a pedal is pedal. The plural is pedais. The term is commonly used alongside bicicletas (bicycles) and ciclismo (cycling). Pedalar can also appear in figurative expressions to indicate putting effort into a task, similar to the English phrase to pedal away.