As far as I know measuring wheels have been a no-no ever since the measurement book was written.
That said, I have used a measuring wheel for certain short measurements where a bike can't go. Measurement News #92, November 1998, described the measurement of a course within Allen Correctional Institution in Lima, Ohio. They wouldn't let me take the bike inside the prison, so we laid out a 100 meter cal course in the Yard, calibrated the measuring wheel, and measured the course.
Note that calibration included spoke-counting, so that the revolutions of the wheel could be gotten to the nearest 0.1 foot.
Most people who want to use a measuring wheel don't think about calibration.
I would be willing to certify a measuring-wheel measurement if:
1) They walked, not ran nor rode in the trunk of a car with the wheel held out the back (I have seen this done).
2) The wheel was calibrated on a standard calibration course.
3) Agreement and paperwork were OK.
Note that I discourage the measuring wheel, but find it has its uses.
Tomorrow I may use one. The finish of a race is on a track, and biking may be prohibited.
The article may be downloaded at
Prison Measurement Click on "Prison Measurement.:
The course is certified as OH98038PR.
