Cheap Electrical Generation

I recently sent the following to the editor of the Baltimore Sun (we will see if it is published):

Since many ideas have recently been presented, after reading Ajax Eastman’s article, Turbines are too inefficient to help.. in today’s (February 7, 2011) Sun, I too have a potential solution to the electrical generation problem.  Take about 3,000 bicycle powered electrical generators, like those used in the Columbia Athletic Club, (January 30, 2011 Sun) and have each of Maryland’s roughly 20,000 prison inmates ride them for about four hours a day. The combined output should be about 16,000 kWh a day which should supply electrical power to about 500 homes.  Each inmate could be paid for the electricity generated, roughly 12 cents a day, plus of course, room and board.  At least we would not have to worry about lack of wind or nuclear disasters, and the training requirements will be minimal.