“The concept of a folding cycle is not new to Yanko Design, and I really think the idea is worth developing, given the space constrains that bog us. Classifying the Ville as just another folding urban commuter cycle will not be fair. The design concept goes a step further by adding functionality to the folded form. It doubles up as a cart so that when you go grocery shopping, you don’t leave this cool bike parked outside to tempt thieves, you take it along indoors.”
The Copenhagen Wheel will be unveiled on December 15 at the COP15 United Nations Climate Conference. The project was conceived and developed by the SENSEable City Lab for the Kobenhavns Kommune. The prototype bikes
were realizedwith the help of our technical partner Ducati Energia and funding from the Ministry for the Environment. Progical Solutions LLC provided technical support for the iphone control of the bikes.
I really like the project. I’m looking for something to go on my bike like a Nike+ for running. Not sure I’d like something this extreme, but very cool concept.
These are two cool concept bikes that could be coming to a local bike store near you!
#1. The Nulla, which means “nothing” in Italian, embraces a minimalist approach to bicycle design. Named as such due its missing parts, including the chain, fork and spokes, the Nulla uses a “direct-gear-chain drive system” instead to support the wheels and produce movement. Created by Bradford Waugh, the bike is still causing much debate as to whether or not it would indeed be operable, but most cycling enthusiasts agree that with its sleek, beautiful design it doesn’t matter all that much. Photo courtesy of Bradford Waugh via LikeCOOL.com.
#2 Is a bike by Phil Bridge, who majored in Product Design at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England, aimed to design a recyclable bike that was, in essence, worth nothing. Bicycles are often stolen or damaged throughout England, so he hoped his cardboard creation, devoid of sentiment and cost, would deter thieves while also preventing owner worry. A waterproof, honeycomb-structured cardboard called Hexacomb—generally used for engineering purposes—was used for the frame, pedals and wheel spokes. Designed to withstand approximately six months of constant use, the bike has an estimated production cost of around ₤15 (approximately $25). Photo courtesy of Sheffield Hallam University via shu.ac.uk/art/design/news/cardboardbike.html.
To check out 6 more concept bikes take a look at the post at Bix TIm!
ByClog is an iPhone application that lets you track and share your bike rides. It will also let you find new rides and connect with your local biking community and view their rides and bikes.
Its unfortunately not up and running yet but I look forward to its development. It was conceived and designed by Chance Graham and more screen shots can be viewed on his websitehere. It looks like he’s looking for a iPhone Application Developer so if you or you know someone who can do it please hit him up. Also the future website will be here and you can follow Byclog on twitter here.
I think this system is pretty genius. I’m guessing they have it so its theft proof which is really good for commuting. I’m a little sketch leaving my bike locked up to a stand just anywhere. If it was cost effective and you had a bunch around Honolulu, pay for a monthly parking pass and commute almost anywhere knowing your bike is in good hands. Great idea! Read more for the full story.
Biceberg is an automated underground bike park. It is a cycle storage system based on the concept of an iceberg, where bicycles are stored out of sight below ground level. It has a small part of its installation at ground level, which is the main public presence of the facility and is the point of user interface for cyclists delivering and collecting their bikes to the parking system. It is designed as a system that can either be installed ‘stand-alone’, or it can be integrated into existing underground cavities, such as car parks etc. The company states that 92 bicycles can be stored in space typically allocated to 4 cars in an underground car park. There is a charge to use the facility plus a monthly service charge of €6. The rate is €0.30 per hour or €0.15 per hour for members of the Physical Activity Service. Other Bicebergs are usually free.
Provider
Company: MA-Sistemas, S.L
Designer / Architect
Jaime Palacios
Cost of provision
Cost of installation/ build (not use)
46 bikes – €120,000 euros
69 bikes – €135,000 euros
92 bikes – €150,000 euros
(based on costs of facilities installed in Spain)
Strengths
• Very secure against theft. The bicycle can be taken out fast (an average of 30 seconds). In shopping areas, areas with sporting facilities etc. where it is free, it is a good option for bicycle parking
Weaknesses
• Relatively high installation costs (until now).
• The system needs an ongoing management structure to remotely monitor and maintain the hardware and software
