INTERNATIONAL UNICYCLING FEDERATION

About

The International Unicycling Federation (IUF) is the highest recognised authority for the sport. The incorporation was done in 1982 after Jack Halpern, the founder of IUF, visited Japan in 1980 to propose the formation of a unicycling federation. The first US patents filed for a single-wheeled bicycle were done in 1869 and again in 1881. Since the invention of the Penny Farthing, the unicycle has developed into a variety of designs. For example, the ultimate wheel is a seatless unicycle and the tall version is called a ‘giraffe’. From the 1980s more extreme versions developed for mountain trails and for obstacle courses (trials). One of the key annual events IUF oversees is the Unicon, a unicycle convention and world championship. The first one was held in 1984 in Syracuse, New York. Japan was the first international nation to host in 1987.  

The sport is experiencing steady growth and IUF is responsible for the worldwide development, management of events, establishing a code of ethics, managing the national and regional membership, and maintaining the register of world records. IUF oversees disciplines within the sport.  

Freestyle – provides the rider an opportunity to use props, music and costumes to entertain the audience through an artistic style of riding.  

Flatland – anything goes in flatland and the rider does a series of creative and ever-changing performances that highlights their skill and innovation.  

Street – riders take to the street and perform tricks with the use of railings, stairs, drops and ledges.  

Trials – riders negotiate a difficult obstacle course like performing hops and riding across rails.  

Muni – also known as mountain unicycling where riders complete a course down mountain pathways and rocky terrains.  

Distance – distance racing that can be from 10km to marathon length.  

Race – involves short-distance racing anything between 100m to 800m on a racing track.  

Hockey – normally played indoors in small teams.  

Basketball – the same as hockey.

International Unicycling Federation

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