Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition

Regular BCC readers know that making biking accessible for all ages, stages and types of people is a key focus for this blog. BCC content loves to celebrate community-based, grassroots implemented and social issue-driven projects, people and events.

So usually, big international commercial trade-shows and exhibitions like the second Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition which was held on 10-12 January don’t usually feature here – so why is it included?

Read on!

Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition. Bicycles Create Change.com. 13th Jan, 2019.

What is the DIBE?

This expo is primarily mercantile and retail in nature. It focuses on developing networks, promoting brands (and pro teams), and extending business-to-business exposure. Events like this is where local, regional and international bike companies and manufacturers sell products and services to regional retailers and distributors – and showcase new developments in cycling technology, design and innovation.

This event is the largest professional bicycle exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa. Apparently, over 7,000 visitors, enthusiasts, professional riders and business owners attended. International brands and exhibitors came from Italy, Germany, India, Australia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the United States, China, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.

The event was supported by the royal family and was touted as being ‘the most important cycling business event in the MENA region.’

So what is interesting about the DIBE?

While I was looking at the expo online, two particular features jumped out.

One was the number of female expo representatives/ambassadors (like @jeddah_woman) and that there at least some representation of sustainable/alternative bicycle approaches via India’s Bamusa bicycles.

Small, but productive steps!

Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition. Bicycles Create Change.com. 13th Jan, 2019.
Image: @Jedda_Woman

Female representation

Jedda_Woman I was very pleased to see @jedda_woman listed as an individual ambassador for this event. This social influencer (Followers: Instagram 7, 343 and Twitter 666 #jeddah_woman1) has been promoting local cycling and organising rides, events, educational/social meet-ups and practice days to get more people on bikes. I was hoping to find out more about what she is doing and contact her, but she has not been on Insta since 27th Nov 2018, or Twitter since 14th Dec 2017. So I will see how I go contacting her.

Velo Vixens The Velo Vixens are a friendly, supportive, enthusiastic group of over nearly 1,000 (predominately expat) women who ride, train and compete. This is a very popular, active and well-organised group who host lots of rides, training and competitions.

Other expo associated all-female cycling clubs were Cyclone Women Jeddah and the UAE Girls Cycling Club.

Image: Velo Vixens

Godrej Bamusa Bikes

Another highlight from the mainstream branded manufacturers at the expo was India’s foremost hand-crafted premium bamboo bike company Godrej Bambusa Bike. It was great to see representation of sustainable materials and alternatives to the big manufacturers/supplies as an option for the usual (overfocus?) on ‘state-of-the-art’ frame design, process and materials like carbon-fibre.

The Banusa company loves to tell the story of two teenagers who undertook an epic 4400 km test ride (on their bikes) which went from Kanyakumari (far south India) across the country and over the Khardung-La Pass (world’s highest road) to north India. Solid as!

Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition. Bicycles Create Change.com. 13th Jan, 2019.
Image: Godrej Bambusa Bike

2019 Expanded program next year

This year it was just an expo, but next year there are plans to have sessions on bicycle infrastructure, products, innovation, technologies, safety, maintenance, and fitness and nutrition.

There is also talk of including a demo area and a Bicycle Training Workshop Area.

I am hoping that this expo will continue to include and promote the wide range of riders, biking types/codes and diverse organisations that make up our amazing cycling community. We’ll see next year!

5 bikey Christmas gifts

I can’t believe it is Bicycle Create Change’s 4th Christmas!

Happy Christmas and holidays all!

‘Tis the time to spend copious amounts of money on shit we don’t need!

Have you got your bike-themed presents organised?

This time last year, I posted about recycled bicycle decorations – the foundation of which are the recycled bicycle art medallions that were the focus for my four months in the Sunshine Family art studio.

The year before that, was my top 10 ethical, community-supportive, green, fair-trade, sustainable, bike-inspired gifts for any kind of cyclist.

There was also the Brisbane bicycle-powered Christmas tree, which was an unexpected inner-city highlight.

This year I’ve giving my top 5 presents for cyclists who don’t want/need any more bike gear – and are open to something a little different (as long as it’s bikey!).

1. Anything by Anthony Oram

Anthony Oram is a UK designer/creative who rides bikes. As such, his website has an impressive great range of limited edition bicycle-themed art, prints, frames, notebooks, bags, t-shirts and heaps of other products. Anthony’s motto ‘build bikes, not bombs’ is understandably in high demand. All designs are Anthony’s so you can guarantee these products are unique. He is based in the UK, but ships worldwide.

Personally, I really dig his notebooks. Classy, functional, creative and quintessentially bikey – a perfect Christmas gift!

More professional designers creating bicycle products like this please!

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Anthony Oram

2. Bike Planters and Bike Vases

1. Bike Vase

3D Mood is a German design group- Bicycle vase. Pimp your bike with this beautiful mini bike vase. Simple clamping with an elastic. Vase is made with a 3d printer with PLA plastic. This plastic strain is made from biodegradable vegetable raw materials (corn starch or sugarcane), and is therefore promoted as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics from petroleum chemicals.

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Etsy – 3D Mood

2. Colleen Jordan

According to Fast Company, the Atlanta-based designer Colleen Jordan got the idea for the planters from the flower pots in the new generation of Volkswagen Beetles. “Putting a plant in a car like that seemed to be contradictory,” she tells Co.Design. “A lot of cyclists seem to be plant lovers as well, so the combination just seemed right in my mind.” So she began offering made-to-order 3-D printed vessels that attach to a bike frame with an elastic cord. Jordan recommends using a clipping from a succulent or a large air plant. Since they’re made from polyamide, a porous material, excess water drains out of the bottom.

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Etsy – Colleen Jordan

3. Icosahedron Bike Planter – Wearable Planter

Another design in the Wearable Planter series is the Icosahedron Bike Planter,  whose website promotes as a wearable planter for your bike. It is great with air plants and small succulents, which you can show off as you ride around town and make your green transportation even greener. The form uses modelling software and 3D printing.

The dye comes in bright colours and seals the final piece. A strong elastic cord attaches it to your bike. When you purchase the planter, it does not come with plants, but it does provide advice on which plants work best and how to plant.

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Wearable Planter

3. The Ivy Bike Lock by Sono Mochie

I don’t know how secure this lock is – and after having our most beloved fixi, Milky Joe (we still miss you!) stolen in Melbourne while locked up to Leki (who was left ???!!!), I have very little faith in any other lock outside of an Abus Granit 1000 cable lock, which is the only lock I now use for any bike other than Leki these days (you just can’t go wrong with German security company!).

That being said, if you don’t need/want an industrial style lock, then this lock might fit the bill.

Sonon Mochie is quoted as saying: “why does our bicycle need to be connected to light poles by chains like a criminal in prison? Inspired by nature, the design of this cable wire lock is a mimicry of ivy. It is unified in our daily scene and promotes protection of the environment. It is soft and feels natural. ‘ivy’ is a plug to awaken the relationship between you and society.”

The Ivy Bike Lock was a shortlisted design in the 2010 Seoul Cycle Design competition (organized by Designboom in collaboration with Seoul Design Foundation).

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Sono Mochie

4. A Bicycle Week Calendar

This fun gift is a chalkboard bicycle wheel week calendar/list that spins.

It comes from Thistlewood Farm and their website has the full instructions with step-by-step photos of how you can produce this yourself.

It would take about $25 to make at home- and how satisfying!

This product is enviro and family friendly and would be an awesome centrepiece on a bicycle-mad family’s kitchen wall.

Its also a great reminder that recycling bike parts can make great gifts given a little imagination, elbow grease and planning.

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Thistlewood Farm

5. Bicycle Cookie-Cutters

I’ve previously written about the burgeoning bicycle-inspired cake industry, so I’m not surprised that other baked goods soon followed in popularity.

Enter the humble bicycle cookie cutter craze.

If your house likes baking and/or has one (or more hungry cyclists), then check out these kooky bicycle cookie cutters. I can definitely see these at office parties, children’s parties, work Christmas parties and your next cycling race event!

You can get these and other designs on Etsy.

5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Etsy – Saintpix.
5 unique bikey Christmas gifts. Bicycles Create Change.com. 24th Dec, 2018.
Image: Etsy – Mister Cutter.

Happy Christmas and safe riding all!


Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research

Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.

Today I read Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Masters Thesis.

Paulus undertook this research with Auckland University of Technology in 2010. I found this manuscript online and was initially drawn to read it as this bicycle-inspired community development project had a number of cross-over themes with my own current PhD research project.

This thesis was a pleasure to read. It was clearly written, on-topic and full of interesting images to help break up blocks of text.

It was great to see a new approach to many of the issues I can currently researching, like bicycle use in developing countries, local adaptations and resources, impacts of cultural needs and contexts, and how users personalise their bicycles.

Equally, reading the chapters on the technical design and development phases was also interesting as this project centres on a product creation and intervention, whereas mine does not.

Below is Maringka’s thesis’ abstract, thesis organisation and some of the key images from the thesis, which gives a solid overview of the project without having to read it in its entirety.

Download a copy of Marinkka’s (2010) Greencycle thesis here.

Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.

Greencycle Abstract

This Greencycle project applies a system approach to shift design thinking and practices away from the ongoing unsustainable use of resources towards a more sustainable framework of consumption whereby local cultures, skills, resources and technology are analyzed to inform the design and development of a human powered transportation system.

It uses a trans-disciplinary research and design approach by consulting all stakeholders; including farmers in a Third World country, industrial designers, engineers and manufacturers to provide information, understanding and insights as a basis to find solutions that have enabled this research study to produce a system called Greencycle which utilizes renewable materials and indigenous people skills to produce a bicycle that is more sustainable.

The bicycle provides more than basic transportation to go from A to B. Poor countries need and depend on this mode of transportation for a wide range of uses; thus expanding its function and uses would be of great benefit to its users.

This research study has created a series of accessories to extend a bicycle’s functionality, with the core being made from sustainable materials and local skills. For this project it would have been a simple process for the designer to come up with a concept idea(s) that was based on a personal view of what would be a suitable solution for the target user.

Instead however, the designer has used feedback from the target group participants to shape and develop the design process and to ensure the design will be acceptable for the target user to use and manufacture.

This research study has included four expert interviews, eleven case studies of target users, prototype testing and field experiments with sustainable resources to gather information, understanding and insights from these stakeholders in order to propose, design and evaluate two Greencycles (using sustainable bamboo material) and a series of design accessories.

This multi-discipline approach to the design problem has revealed many opportunities that would otherwise be hidden by less detailed research and design methodology. Many academic studies stop at the point when the written thesis is complete.

This research study has included four expert interviews, eleven case studies of target users, prototype testing and field experiments with sustainable resources to gather information, understanding and insights from these stakeholders in order to propose, design and evaluate two Greencycles (using sustainable bamboo material) and a series of design accessories. This multi-discipline approach to the design problem has revealed many opportunities that would otherwise be hidden by less detailed research and design methodology. Many academic studies stop at the point when the written thesis is complete.

This research project went a step further by testing and implementing its findings on users back in its intended marketplace to ensure the design will be adopted by and be successful for people in Third World countries.

As a result of this research, there is now an opportunity to look at and create a business model that provides new income opportunities for the local people.

Feedback for the Greencycle design and its accessories has so far been very encouraging, with participants showing a significant level of enthusiasm. To take advantage of this success, a business proposition to market these sustainable products seems plausible as a first step to developing this business venture. Information posters to showcase the accessories and their functions and applications have been designed to test market demands and other important indicators for future business development and strategy.

Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.

Thesis Organisation

Chapter 1: Introduction

 Introduces and scopes the areas of research and need for functional, usable and sustainable human powered machines.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Provides critical analysis through literature review and internet ethnography to gain an understanding and knowledge of bicycle functionality and bicycle users in Third World countries. This chapter also reviews literature and provides a study background on Bicycle Ergonomics, Green Materials and Sustainability.

Chapter 3: Research Design & Research Methods

Outlines the research design and design methods approach to the design generation and development of the Greencycle and accessories.

Chapter 4: Significant Findings

Presents the significant findings and the major discoveries that formed the design criteria of the Greencycle and accessories.

Chapter 5: Design & Development Phases

Details the design phases and iterative processes in the development phases of the Greencycle and the accessories.

Chapter 6: Evaluation

Details the evaluation outcomes of an integrated approach for the concept design thinking of the Greencycle and accessories, including materials and manufacturing processes.

Chapter 6: Discussion & Conclusion

The Discussion and Conclusion provides a reflection on what has been achieved and the future of the Greencycle and the accessories.

Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.
Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 3rd Dec, 2018.

Abstract, chapter organization & images: Paulus Maringka (2010) Greencycle .

No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research

No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 25th September, 2018Image: Creative Commons

You more than likely you’ve heard about the health and medical issues of bicycle seat design.

But, did you know there is a growing body of scientific research investigating the role and impact of bike seats for bicycle police?

Previous scientific studies looking at bicycle saddles include:

These studies were undertaken by the US National  Institute of Occupational Health and Saftey (NIOSH), which specialises in workplace OHS research.

Recently, I’ve been reading NIOSH’s No-Nose Bicycle Saddle research, which used US bicycle police officers who are ‘occupational bicyclists’ as participants into no-nose bike seat design.

 

No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 25th September, 2018
Image: Bisaddle

No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research

NIOSH explains the research as such: Over the last several years, NIOSH researchers have investigated the potential health effects of prolonged bicycling in police bicycle patrol units, including the possibility that some bicycle saddles exert excessive pressure on the urogenital area of cyclists, restricting blood flow to the genitals, resulting in adverse effects on sexual function.

NIOSH worked with several police departments with bicycle patrols to conduct reproductive health research. In these studies NIOSH did more than assess a problem; it also tested a solution and published recommendations.

Several bicycle saddle manufacturers have developed saddles without protruding noses. NIOSH has investigated whether these saddles, which remove the pressure from the urogenital area, will alleviate any potential health problems.

Here’s a 2-minute video explaining the key research focus.

 

Findings and recommendations

The study found that: workers who ride a bicycle as part of their job may be at risk for genital numbness or more serious sexual and/or reproductive health problems from pressure in the groin (perineum) from the traditional bicycle saddle.

NIOSH has conducted studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of no-nose bicycle saddles in reducing pressure in the groin and improving the sexual health of male bicycle patrol police officers.

While most workers in jobs that involve bicycling are men, recent evidence suggests that no-nose bicycle saddles may also benefit women.

Here is a copy of the studies recommendations:  No-nose Saddles for Preventing Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction from Occupational Bicycling.pdf

No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 25th September, 2018Image: Creative Commons PWIII

What did the participants think?

The research was also shared with the participant police departments. Below are a few articles from the International Police Mountain Bike Association Newsletter (IPMBA) Winter 2007, Spring 2009  & Spring 2011) editions of the San Antonio, Chicago and Seattle divisions that share participant’s experiences of being involved in the research project.

No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 25th September, 2018No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 25th September, 2018 No-Nose Bicycle Saddle Research. Bicycles Create Change.com. 25th September, 2018

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.
Image: Official Woodford Program Cover

Hey Bike nuts! This week I was at Woodford Folk Festival.

Woodford is Australia’s largest annual outdoor cultural and folk festival.

This year, there were over 2,500 amazing musical gigs, performances, shows, talks, demos, roving performances, gardens and activities.

It is a truely amazing experience to wander around Woodfordia.

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival

Here is a copy of the full program – EPIC!!

There is also the Speakers Program, which has over 70 talks on a massive array of topics – including many current social, political and environmental issues.

It is difficult to tell you everything you can see and do at Woodford, so I’m just going to hit the bike high points and let you explore the full shebang for yourself another time if you are interested (highly recommended!).

On arrival – bike parking

It was great to see that at the entrance, the ‘Bike Parking’ was already filling up and that cyclists had a direct and preferential access to the front entrance – rockstar parking for bike riders!

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Wozwaste

I was delighted to see Wozwaste was not wasting anything – and their market stall looked great! I am super impressed at how their product range has increased since I last saw them.

I popped in for a good chat and catch up. they are doing great work with recycling materials. While we were chatting, I asked a few technical questions about issues I was having working with bike inner tubes. They had had the same difficulties I was experiencing and so had decided to switch over to using motorbike inner tubes now as a result.

I really appreciate Wozwaste’s philosophy and commitment. It is inspiring to know people are out there whereby up/recycling is the basis of their business. It was great to see their range first hand and see what they have achieved so far.

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Roving Performances

The Rain Cloud

The heat and sun was super hot, so the organisers arranged to have the rain cloud bike roving to help cool off punters.

This is four person, pedal-powered bike which ‘rained’ a fine mist over those who stood near the clouds.

It was a great way to cool off, the drizzle was a very welcome reprieve. When the bike stopped, people were encouraged to sit on the float to rest and cool off – the kids loved it!

There were seven operators, all in various costumes who took it in turns to ride and/ore entertain as needed.

A very effective and impressive roving performance!

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

The Woodford Postal Service

This roving performance also served a legitimate service.

Within Woodfordia, there is the Post House, from which there is a team of Posties on bikes whose job it is to rider around, interacting with festival goers by ‘delivering letters’.

The idea is that you can stop a Postie (or they might ask you) to ‘send’ a message or letter to someone throughout the day/festival.  It can be any message you like and you give a description to the postie and their job is to deliver it – which makes for some hilarious interactions as some of the descriptions are quite vague, so there are many posties going up to people asking them if they are so and so in an attempt to deliver a message.

In an age of instant text messaging, this kind of audience participation activity was inventive, creative and so much fun to be part of.

Everyone was getting into it and the posties did a great job!

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Out the front of ‘The Post House’

Festival-goers on wheels

Woodfordia has a great path network and the access is well thought out, so it was great to see a higher number of many festival visitors on wheels getting around.

There were a few wheel chairs, but far more hand-driven chairs and recumbents and a few scooters.

Most notably, there was a very popular trolley stall which hired out wagons for families to wheel their tired kids around. This a great idea for storage, sleeping kids, having some shade, reserving some space and being able to find your people at a distance – GOLD!

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Image: Rock n Roller Wagons

Bike Refreshments Stall

Throughout the day, I kept seeing Jeremy and his gorgeous pedal-powered refreshments stall rinding around. I had to go up and chat to him. He is a genuinely beautiful man and was so happy to be out and about. His happiness was infectious. Great shoes and what a smile!

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

Unknown Pink Bikers

These guys had a compound that was open at certain times and they were entertaining people with tricks, magic and activities.

Later on, I saw them riding around interacting with punters and generally adding to the overall cheer and colour.

Great to see more bikes getting around, but some of the older guys in glitter glam hot pink Barbarella-style costuming might have scared a few of the kids.

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Opening Ceremony

I’m sure you will be able to get a hold of some footage of the official opening ceremony for the festival. There were massive puppets, fire work, a latern parade, an aboriginal welcoming ceremony and dancing, various singers to name a few.

Of most interest for this post was the use of bicycles during the later parade to help move the larger lantern around as needed – it was only when you looked closely could you see that bikes were instrumental in the latern below in particular.

Bikes at Woodford Folk Festival. Bicycles Create Change.com 29th Dec 2017.

 

Overall – a wonderful time!

Whether you are going for bikes or the music or the culture – Woodford has it all.

It was great to see so much wonderful music, vibrancy, creativity, colour, energy, care and community.

What a great was to end the year!

See you in 2018! Happy and safe riding all!

Invisible Bicycle Helmet

There are a number of things I love about this innovation – the invisible bike helmet.

Yes, it is primarily about bikes and most certainly about creating positive and safe biking change.

However, it is a reinvention of the normal and breaking many (social and technical) barriers. Here are some reasons why this innovation is so special:

  • it is NOT from an English-speaking country (and not presented in English – how refreshing!)
  • it took the two inventors sooo long to get the research right (seven years!!)
  • their overall commitment, passion and teamwork is inspiring
  • and most importantly … the creators are two Swedish female Industrial Designers leading the (male dominated) field …. and kicking ass!!

How the hell…

I like the revolutionary and stylish innovation they have come up with.

It directly responds to current changes in urban biking as well as being understated and no fuss (the model only comes in black  – how Swedish chic!).

I’m still in awe of the engineering behind how it is deployed and works and I think the concept is magnificent.

The speed and responsiveness of the sensors and algorithms they have used are quite remarkable.

In Australia?

It is tempting to look into the legality of using one of these helmets in Australia.

I know you have to have a registered Australian Safety Approved helmet here. But let’s face it, in some respects Australia can be so far behind the times and considering this is a recognised international safety and protection device…. the larrikin bugger in me would love to use it and see what happens!

The company who is producing it Hovding, have them currently retailing for €299. They are up to their second model already and have won an European Patent Office Award (2016) patent. Models can come with stylish personalised covers. Sign me up!!

“Cars are so yesterday, bikes are the future.”