HighWire Bike - William "Wayne" Miller Exhibit

The HighWire Bicycle is an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to experience the law of "center of gravity" in dramatic fashion. They will learn firsthand that any force causing the system to tip will be offset by the force of gravity acting on an attached counterweight.

The HighWire Bicycle is located on the 3rd floor of the west building.  It rests precariously on a guide wire suspended across an open expanse of the Discovery Center's LEED Gold Certified building.   After being strapped onto the bike visitors mount the bicycle for a "ride," they peer down to the floor approximately 20 feet below. The bicycle trip starts with the visitor riding backward out of a controlled loading area. They ride approximately 25 feet across the 1st floor and return to the platform.

As the bicycle tips, the straight bar from which the counterweight is suspended swings upwards. Gravity pulls the counterweight back towards the ground causing the bar to correct the bike and put it in a vertical, stable position on top of the cable. The High Wire Bicycle is fitted with many safety features, including a seat harness and safety net. Visitors riding the bicycle must be a certain height to touch the pedals (sample seat near the front desk) and weigh no more than 250 pounds.

Ride times are

• 11am-12pm
• 1-2 pm
• 3-4 pm
• 5-6 pm

Tickets are needed to ride. 

Cost 

• Members $2.00
• Non-members $3.00