for the Flinstone's car, which is powered by people running, is that plausible in any sense of the word? Does having 5 or so people in the car all running make you go any faster? and hard would that be to move around place to place?

A precursor to the bicycle was the velocipede. A bicycle that was propelled like the flintstone car but only one person. It had wheels similar in size to today's bikes, the high wheelers came along because of the need for a higher gear. High wheelers remained popular after the addition of chains and sprockets were introduced because riders wanted to be up on the same level with horse riders. Cyclists still use the terminology, "turning a big wheel" means a high gear ratio.

quote:

Originally posted by SUPERCOVV:
for the Flinstone's car, which is powered by people running, is that plausible in any sense of the word? Does having 5 or so people in the car all running make you go any faster? and hard would that be to move around place to place?

I'd rather walk. Seriously. Crudely hewn logs and stone rollors?

Cartoon physics and technology just has to be funny.

I don't think the OP was thinking of the flintstone vehicle itself but rather the principle involved. When you start making something like that of lightweight material and using bearings and grease then things get plausible. Think about scooters and skateboards. Like a scooter, the velociped worked on the principle that a walking person is not taking very good advantage of his momentum. Also sitting on it supported his weight.

I will give you points for the idea of five or so people all running being a bit of a laugh.