Maybe in Yurup, real life lynchings and two strokes are all but unheard of? I do know that ordinary people actually bicycle to work and around town in Belgium. The drivers, roads, and distances allow it.
Christ, maybe you'll enjoy this link:
Science of Cycling: Aerodynamics: page 1
Says you'll need about 2HP to get to 50mph three minutes later, on a flat road, with no wind. You might need about twice that to meet your goal of reliable and swift 50mph. On a bicycle, I'm good for about a quarter of a horsepower continuously.