Alexander Csoma de Koros was a Hungarian traveller/explorer who traveled to Tibet in 1820 where he learnt the language and culture.
Csoma ended up being a cross-cultural pioneer for both countries and forged a long-standing language, cultural and learning exchange between the two nations which still endures today.
To commemorate Csoma’s spirit of cultural support and exchange, Hungarian conceptual tech lab Kitchen Budapest has created a low-tech kinetic image projector called Csoma’s Wheel.
Csoma’s Wheel is a bicycle-based installation that uses traditional Tibetan prayer wheel design as the base structure to create an electronic art/image projector.
The LED flashing prayer-wheel is made from
two bicycle wheels, bike and other parts, LEDs and a concrete block. When the
wheel is rotated by hand, the spinning generates enough electricity to power a
strip of LEDs that shine light through a perforated screen or drum. From these
LEDs, a basic animated image is projected onto the concrete block.
The homes and schools are all completely solar-powered.
This NGO uses sustainable local materials
(adobe bricks), revives and utilises traditional construction and handicraft skills,
supports local economic and labour/skill (income-generating) opportunities,
builds more schools and homes and provides solar power.
In
keeping with Alexander’s spirit, there is a strong emphasis on promoting local
heritage and using local Zanglar skills, practices and materials to reduce
reliance on high tech, resource-dependant, imported materials.
The bicycle prayer-wheel projector was installed to complement the recent completion of major construction to Csoma’s Sanctuary, which is visited by many international visitors each year.
This is certainly one of the more unique and innovative ways to use bicycles!
Artist Studio. Creative Workshop. Innovation Space. Art & Design Workroom. Conceptual Atelier.
Call
it what you will.
Having
a designated space to produce original creative work is a blessing.
Most artists I know have some kind of space to produce work, leave out their tools, percolate ideas and have room to let their creative juices flow.
Very
few people who are not full-time artists (with the exception of retirees and empty-nesters)
are lucky to have such a space.
Personally,
I’ve never had such a space.
Until recently….
This year I have been working hard juggling teaching, PhDing and a range of other projects. I like to have one creative project on the go to help keep me balanced.
One of my ongoing side projects has been making custom-made recycled bottle cap medallions made only of recycled materials.
Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with them.
I make them out of bottle caps filled with predominately bicycle inner tubes and bike parts, but also miscellaneous materials, discarded paper, buttons, board game pieces, broken jewellery and any other manner of opp-shop or scrap bits-and-bobs.
I love how meditative the process is. I often will set aside a few hours, pull out all my gear, have a beer, put on some good music and settle in for a crafternoon session.
I’ve been making these medallions for nearly two years now and have quite a collection.
When I make them, I sometimes set up a ‘crafternoon’ workstation out the front of my house under the carport. I love working outside and the neighbors often drop in to say hi and see what designs I’m working on that day.
Invariably they’ll leave with a medallion that takes their fancy.
It still
makes me smile when I see my recycled bicycle medallions on hats, coats and
bags being worn around my community.
There’s a running joke around our streets that the locals are ‘supporting the arts’ by drinking beer and giving me the caps. Hilarious!
I often come home to find small bags of bottle caps in my letterbox or on the front steps. Gold.
Thank you to The Sunshine Family
But one
particular family have gone above and beyond.
Four months ago, a family (who I’ll call The Sunshine Family because they asked to remain anonymous, but you know who you are!) offered me the use of their double-fronted shed as a designated art workshop until the end of the year.
Oh joy!
What an
offer!
Hells yeah!
It is a massive, clean space and had everything I might ever need.
Having this studio meant I could have all my gear set out and ready to go.
I got so many more medallions done when I was in there.
Talk about productive!
Whenever I had
the time, I’d get in there and easily smash out 50 medallions at a time.
One of the best (and most unique) features of this space is the double-fronted garage doors rolled up to look out on the private backyard.
So when all the local musos came over for the weekly jam session, I had a primo position to enjoy the tunes, banter and company!
Best studio
ever!
But now it is the end of the year, so its time pack up my materials and return the shed.
This post is to say thank you to the Sunshines.
Thank you for letting me use the space so I know what it feels like to have a designated creative workspace, for the wonderful offer, for good company, for trusting me, for ‘supporting the arts’ and for giving me my first-ever studio space! I will treasure your thoughtfulness and generosity always.
To The Sunshine Family, a massive big, heart-felt THANK YOU!
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.
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.
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.
Abstract, chapter organization & images: Paulus Maringka (2010)Greencycle .
In keeping with the spirit of my recent Vipassana experience, this post introduces the wonderful world of bicycle mandalas. Enjoy! NG.
Image: Yogawisdomforeveryday.com
Mandalas are beautiful Buddhist spiritual representations of the metaphysical universe.
At their core, mandalas are meditation aids.
The most famous mandalas would have to be the large-scale Tibetan Buddhist sand mandalas. These intricate and complex mandalas take a team of monks days, or weeks, or more, to create and require constant concentration and care to complete.
But in order to be a mandala, it needs to include some specific design features.
Mandalas have a balanced, repeated geometric design, a consistent colour palette and traditionally include a radial composition.
For many, circular bicycle wheels provide the perfect mandala frame. This is why they are so often in bike art when creating mandalas, dream catchers and other decorations.
The material and techniques used in these mandalas can vary. 2D mandalas use either hand-drawn or computer-assisted graphics, saving time, money and materials, but this approach often requires a certain amount of artistic or technical proficiency.
For 3D mandalas, fabric, cloth and textiles are big favourites, as are glass and mixed- media for the more adventurous.
Colours and designs vary widely and are only limited by the creators imagination, bravery and skill.
Remy Jouve’s bicycle tyre mandala
I got interested in bicycle mandalas after seeing Rémy Jouve’s amazing hand carved bicycle tyre mandala (below) which was sent to me by Claire Tracey.
Skill, patience, thoughtfulness and a whole lotta love!
Epic.
Image: Rémy Jouve
Image: Rémy Jouve
Other Bicycle Mandalas
Then I found a whole heap of them!
Here is a sample of the various hand-make bicycle mandalas.
Watercolour.
Image: Mariah Liisa
Ink Drawing.
Image: Kara-Adelle Lawrence
Knitted/Macrame (there are heaps of these online).
Image: Pinterest (no attribution)
And a few mixed media.
Image: nwaonline.com
Image: Pinterest (no attribution)
And some digitally assisted bicycle mandalas.
Image: Mountain2Mountain
Image: Dark Cycle Clothing
Image: Brightlight Mandalas
Regardless of the material or medium used, bicycle mandalas are unique, creative, quirky and fun.
They are a great way cyclists can support artists as well as showing their love for all things two-wheeled.
Keep your eyes open for your favourite bicycle mandala.
I remember reading this story ages ago – and it really stuck with me. As a bike rider and dog owner, there is nothing more appealing than hitting endless trails on bikes with a furry mate. For our honeymoon, husband and I took the bikes and Zoe and spent three weeks driving up the east coast of Australia riding all the best MTB trails along the way. We had an amazing time. So when my work gets more than the usual crazy (mostly around marking time) and I’m feeling like there’s a lot going on, I think back to our time on the trails with Zoe and I reread this story…..and it makes everything okay. Just to know that this is an option and there are riders out there living the dream makes me happy. In our house, there continues to be talks of future cycling puppy inclusive cycling travels. Hazah!! Ride on #bikes_CISTA teams! NG.
Joshua Sivarajah sold all his possessions and set out to bike around the UK with just his dog Nero for company – a year later, he has found no reason to stop.
For the first 34 years of my life, I led a fairly conformist existence – university, a succession of jobs, my own sales business – but I never felt fulfilled.
When my mum suggested I move to Indonesia with her, I thought, “Why not?” and started making preparations. But as the departure date got closer, I realised how much I was going to miss the UK.
I decided I’d spend some time touring the country on my bike with Nero, my five-year-old collie.
Giving it all up to cycle the world with your dog
I sold my car, gave away my furniture, quit my flat, bought panniers for my bike and dragged my tent and sleeping bag out from under the stairs.
By the end of the week, I was on my way, Nero trotting beside me.
My plan was to cycle round the UK in about seven weeks. But a fortnight in, I realised there was no need for me to go fast – I just needed to appreciate what was around me.
It was tough going sometimes, but I learned how keen people are to help.
Most nights we camped on farmland or in parks (even in a castle once) but we also met people who were happy to put us up for the night.
Travelling with a dog, you make friends wherever you go.
Very early on, Nero burned his paws on hot tarmac and took to riding on top of my bags; an ironmonger in Whitby welded a special shelf on to my bike for him to sit on.
I’ve seen and done much more than I expected. The west coast of Scotland was particularly thrilling – I learned to sail and fish, I caught wild mackerel for breakfast and saw sea eagles with two-metre wingspans.
It was around that time that I phoned my mum and said, “I don’t think I can come to Jakarta, Ma. This is what I was born to do.”
My only outgoings are food for me and Nero, about £300 a month.
I carry my tent, my sleeping bag, hammock, and my laptop – other than the bare minimum of clothes and a few cooking utensils, that’s all I have.
I feel lighter, both physically and mentally.
We’re now cycling across Europe – we’ve visited France, Spain and Portugal so far. I never want to stop.
We’re slightly limited by Nero’s pet passport, so we can’t go to Africa or Asia, but I hope to cycle in the US next year.
A big thanks to Papa Al for passing on this inspiring story to share! NG.
There can be few better examples of where bicycles create more positive community change than through the bicycle work of Bernard Kiawia.
Bernard Kiwia started out as a bike mechanic in his home country of Tanzania.
While repairing bicycles, he began applying his skills to use pedal power to create products and tools that directly improve to the lives of people in his community.
In 2011, Bernard made a bicycle-powered cellphone charger (see below).
Bernard is now a well-respected social entrepreneur – and bikes still feature prominently in many of his new inventions.
His current work is now focused on applying his (and other people’s) mechanical and technical skills towards addressing manual labour and technology issues in his area.
What we want to show people is they have skills to make their own technology that they can afford, they can repair, they can find the spare parts that they need
With local people, their income is always small and the kind of machines you can buy in the shop are not made for these local people because they’re expensive. That’s why I’m focusing on local.
I create technologies because I realise it’s something that can help my family and the community.
Source: Twende-tanzania.org
Twende – Accelerating Social Innovation
Bernard established Twende, which is a community inventor’s workshop. Twende is a creative workspace for people to come and use tools, problem solve ideas and experiment with making prototypes.
In this way, Twende functions similarly to a Men’s Shed, as it is an open workspace that has tools, resources and people there to support projects.
It also runs three workshop streams
1. Creative Capacity Workshop -entry-level workshops for any level.
Affordable Flashlight (~6 hours)
Automatic Switch (~7 hours)
Solar-Powered Phone Charger (~10 hours)
2. Built It Workshops – mechanically-focused workshops which include:
Spirit Stove (~3 hours)
Bottle Opener (~2 hours)
Electronics Workshop for secondary schools
A few of the Build Its Workshops are also integrated into some schools electronics curriculum.
3. Advanced Offerings – requires some advanced skills and tools (like welding)
Drip Irrigation
Bicycle-Powered Maize Sheller
So far, over 800 local innovators have used Twende, of which most are secondary school students, small-holder farmers, women, and microentrepreneurs.
Bicycles are ubiquitous and versatile (especially as a means to produce energy-efficient power) so it is not surprising that they feature in many of Twende’s inventions.
Source: Flickr Erik (HASH) Hersman
The Twende innovation hub was established as a space to “collaborate with students and community members in Tanzania to identify their challenges and design & create their own solutions to their problems will contribute to a world with improved access to technologies that improve people’s lives, a stronger local economy, and a nation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
are designed with (not just for) communities & partners
…and they make some of their own inventions for use and sale as well
Source: BBC News 1 Video
Twende is such an important grassroots social venture.
It fosters creative ingenuity, recycling, upskilling, empowers local skills, is cost-effective and addresses locally-identified issues – as well as providing a welcoming space for people to test mechanical and technical ideas that have an immediate positive impact.
And all this grew out of one man’s exploration of how a bike could make work and life better – awesome!
Dutch cycling enthusiast and designer George Barratt-Jones has created a human-powered automated bicycle-knitting machine called the Cyclo Knitter.
The Cyclo Knitter is essentially a bicycle-powered loom that is activated by light exercise.
George’s modification of a standard bicycle attached to a wooden frame and loom is such that when a rider cycles, the automatic loom attached to it will knit a fully completed scarf in 5 mins.
To launch his invention, the Cyclo Knitter was installed on a Dutch railway platform – as homage to the original inspiration for the machine, which was how to use the spare time waiting for a train in a productive manner.
A train platform is also an ideal place to showcase the Cyclo Knitter given that many commuters are already waiting on the platform for trains to arrive, so they had a spare 5 mins – and the novelty bike was a welcomed curiosity.
Best of all, those who trialled it were also rewarded with their very own ‘bespoke’ cycle-made scarf (*Aww DAD!! Not in front of my friends!!*).
Design and functionality
The Cyclo Knitter is a remarkably neat and compact invention. It is functional, quirky and innovative and is also very beautifully crafted and skillfully designed.
The Cyclo Knitter is set-up so that when the pedals turn, the spinning front wheel powers a knitting machine placed on top of a wooden tower at the front of the bike. As the rider pedals, they can watch in real time, as the knitted fabric comes from the top of the tower and is woven into a brand-new custom-made scarf. Awesome!
When George set up the Cyclo Knitter, the sign alongside it read:
Bored? Cold? Create!
Genius!
Here’s a quick video of what happened on the train platform…
“Imagine it’s the midst of winter. You are cold and bored waiting for your train at the station. This pedal powered machine gets you warm by moving, you are making something while you wait and in the end, you are left with a free scarf! That you can decide to keep yourself or give to someone who needs it more. Its all about spreading joy and making those boring moments more fun.”
It is great to see such an innovative design, fun and functionality coming together in this unique bicycle modification.
It has a sleek design and aesthetic, but the whole assemblage also folds down into a convenient and portable flatpack item, which is ideal for moving between locations (see below).
It is wonderful to see such a refreshingly new utilisation a bicycle – and an approach that makes cycling AND knitting more interesting -and accessible – to the general public.
The added bonus of a free rider-made scarf is genius.
I hope we see more creative and community orientated bicycle projects like this in the future.
As a PhD researcher myself, I know first-hand how much work goes into a research project. So where possible, I like to help out other researchers as a participant or lab rat.
In the past, I’ve been a research participant for the Education, Psychology and Health Sciences Departments.
My most recent foray was an invitation to be a research participant for Nicole T’s School of Applied Psychology PhD research project, which is looking at how Virtual Reality impacts cycling performance – wicked!
I was interested in this project, not only because of the cycling, but also for the VR component of this project. I have previously worked with other educational VR, AR and fully immersive experiences, but never with cycling, so I was keen to see what this simulator was like.
I’ve used fully immersive AR technologies and platforms (above – complete with cycling cap and bicycle print top of course!), but mostly for educational and entertainment purposes, not research.
Effect of Virtual Reality on Cycling Performance- Lab Rat Experience
So, this time, I went to Griffith’s Gold Coast Campus, got suited up, completed a battery of psych questionnaires before and after riding a stationary bike – and got amongst it!
Why is the research being conducted?
Nicole’s research examines the effect of the presence of the competitor in a virtual environment during a stationary cycling task. The possible performance benefits of using feedback within a virtual reality environment was the primary focus. Female participants only for this project.
After I had completed my full session, Nicole let me know more of what she was really looking for – oohhhhh! Of course, she could not let me know all the details prior, as it may have skewed my (or any other potential participants) involvement and data results. In order to maintain the project’s integrity, I’ll only give approved general info about the project here as well.
What I was asked to do
I was in the VR lab for 90 minutes, during which I did heaps, like:
Answered demographic questions, had my height and weight measured and I completed the Sports Medicine in Australia pre-exercise screening system.
Then, Nicole hooked me up to heart rate and respiratory rate monitor. She instructed me on how to use the stationary bicycle and appropriate technique – and I undertook a practice trail to become familiar with the exercise and the VR environment
Next, I jumped on the bike and had to cycle to the best of my ability to assess the intensity level (which was defined as 70 revolutions per minute while maintaining 70% heart rate reserve or until 30 minutes had elapsed.
During the cycling task, I had to continually respond verbally to a Rating of the Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale every three minutes.
I also had to complete quite a few psych questionnaires, including:
International Physical Activity Questionnaire
Long form (IPAQ-LF)
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES)
Exercise Thoughts Questionnaire (ETQ)
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI)
Feedback Rating, Self-control Questionnaire
GRIT inventory
Self-efficacy Questionnaire
Revisited Competitiveness Index (RCI)
Reality Judgement and Presence Questionnaire
So how was it?
I had great fun and did the best I could.
I took the project seriously and answered all questions honestly.
I laughed at myself because, even though I was in the lab, I still indicated turns with my arms each and every time I turned (I must have looked hilarious to Nicole, who was watching me on the screen in the lab next door).
At times I found myself bracing in anticipation when approaching uneven surfaces and cobble stones.
The simulation was basic but detailed enough to create an alternative environment. It had some good details in it like normal everyday urban encounters that had corresponding noises (pedestrians walking down the street and as I passed them, I heard the music they had playing, dogs barking, bird songs, etc).
The cycling part was no problem and I enjoyed using the VR simulation, which required me to ride around a fictitious city.
I giggled at some of the shops and department store names – they had been modified (branding) to have a very similar logo to some well known big brands, but the name was slightly different (McDowell’s anyone?) It totally reminded me of Coming to America!
At times, the VR was a little weird as it was based on an American context and had a few odd aspects for Australians (like cars parked on the wrong side of the road).
I was not totally sold on that particular program – but then again, it was not designed to be ‘enjoyable’, totally immersive or as a cycling training tool. I never really ‘left’ the lab I was in to ‘enter’ the simulation. But, it was for research purposes, not a fully immersive VR expereince – and so fulfilled its role.
After we were finished, Nicole was able to give me some feedback about my performance, some of which I found surprising …. sorry – no details on this, as the project is ongoing!
Overall, I was glad to have the VR experience and get some personalised biodata on my cycling performance as well as being able to support Nicole in her research.
If you get an opportunity to use a VR cycling simulator – give it a try for something different!
Plastic is a systemic global issue. As a local Morton Bay rider, I regularly see first-hand the terrible environmental and sealife impact of plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways.
I hope that cyclists and bike riders are active role models – both on AND off the bike – for their families, teams and communities of individuals who are taking positive steps to address the plastic pollution problem.
What do you do as a bike rider to promote a more sustainable, plastic-free future?
Garbage covers the beach days after an extended storm hit the shoreline of Zouq Mosbeh, north of Beirut, Lebanon, on January 22, 2018. Environmentalists say the winter storm pushed a wave of trash onto Lebanese shores, stirring outrage over a waste-management crisis that has choked the country since 2015. Image: Hussein Malla- AP
Plastic pollution is a major social and environmental issue.
There is a growing global awareness of the collective action now needed to deal with the amount of plastic that already exists, and greater pressure for people to take more immediate and direct personal and community responsibility to reduce current single-use (and use in general) plastics.
This week was a perfect case in point, with two major international commemorative dates spotlighting the growing worldwide plastic issue.
June 5th was World Environment Day. The theme this year was ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. For me, the most compelling evidence for World Environment Day came from a series of photos curated by Alan Taylor, (some of which are shown here) which details the disturbing importance, scope and severity of impacts of plastics in various places around the world.
Then, a few days later, on June 8th, it was World Ocean Day. The focus was again was on plastics – but this time on preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for healthier oceans.
Plastic items float atop a garbage-filled creek in Manila, Philippines, on May 12, 2018. Image: Noel Celis AFP
Beat Plastic Pollution – on your bike.
So what has plastics got to do with cycling and bike riding?
A few cyclists have really taken this issue to heart
In her article for Adventurers Against Plastic, Helen Taylor showcased a number of athlete/activists who are working to raise awareness and clean up of plastics. Of these, there are two cyclists from London who are combining their creativity, ingenuity and love of cycling to tackle the plastic issue head-on. Here is what Helen said about the two bike-inspired eco-projects:
1. Dave Cornthwaite.
Dave is the founder of London-based social enterprise SayYesMore, has organised a 1,000-mile community relay along England’s rivers and canals, where a different person each day will ride a specially-made aquatic bicycle whilst removing plastic rubbish from waterways.
He aims to remove one million pieces of rubbish in 25 counties engaging youth groups, schools, and local clean-up initiatives along the way and says: “All in all, not one group, individual or project can solve all aspects of the issue, but it takes a communal mindset to instigate change. Using an innovative adventure relay to get more people outside will help with this – ultimately if people don’t walk or paddle along rivers they don’t care about what’s going on there. If they see for themselves bottles and crisp packets floating alongside wildlife, they’re more likely to take action.”
Images: Emma Karembo Taylor & Tanya Noble
2. Dhruv Boruah.
Dhruv is also using a quirky handmade bamboo waterbike to solve the plastic crisis at the source. As part of his Thames Project, Dhruv has been engaging the public in the issue by using his eye-catching waterbike contraption to collect plastic litter.
Dhruv realises that reactive cleaning isn’t the solution to the problem, but sees the project as an educational process: “Cleaning up is a good way of showing people what’s in the canal, it’s a good way to get people involved, when they come and see what’s in the canal they go back home and think twice – adventure activists need to go in and interact with local communities, engage with them and get them out in their spaces and on the waterways.”
Dhruv has also been lobbying policymakers – environmental charities, London councils and the Mayor of London’s office, the BBC, and large supermarket chains – to encourage them to change their single-use plastic habits, as well as promoting a circular economy.
Images: Adventure Uncovered & Canal Boat.com
Such bicycle projects are admirable.
But not all cyclists need to go to such lengths to take action.
I like to think that my fellow cyclists make their own regular and impactful contributions to improving the environment and reduce plastic waste.
This may be making your own power snacks that forge the copious amounts of packaging used in gel packs, to picking up pieces of rubbish during a ride where possible and putting them in the bin at the cafe at the end of a ride. Seemingly small actions like these are not only needed and necessary, but also demonstrate that cyclists are taking definitive action to reduce plastic pollution.
So next time you are out riding, think about one easy step you are comfortable that will help to reduce plastic dependency and that shows cyclists and bike riders actively care for our beautiful environs.
May all your rides be plastic reduced!
Garbage covers the beach days after an extended storm hit the shoreline of Zouq Mosbeh, north of Beirut, Lebanon, on January 22, 2018. Environmentalists say the winter storm pushed a wave of trash onto Lebanese shores, stirring outrage over a waste-management crisis that has choked the country since 2015. Image: Hussein Malla- AP
Source: @RedTRaccoon
A black-footed albatross chick with plastics in its stomach lies dead on Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on November 2, 2014. The remote atoll is a delicate sanctuary for millions of seabirds. Midway sits amid a collection of human-made debris called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Along the paths of Midway, there are piles of feathers with rings of plastic in the middle—remnants of birds that died with the plastic in their guts. Each year the agency removes about 20 tons of plastic and debris that wash ashore from surrounding waters. Image: Dan Clark
Regular readers of this blog know that I have a particular love of the night sky. Each night before bed, I take my dog Zoe for a walk under the heavens to get my daily/nightly quota of starlight.
For me, this is as equally important as the recommended necessity of daytime sunlight.
This blog has posted on a range of fun (and often unexpected) ways that bicycles and our solar system are connected.
There were many ‘stargazing parties’ across Australia and you needed to have been registered to have been ‘counted’ in the attempt. Brisbane had a massive contingency on the night in the heart of town – and it was great to see so many locals out to support it.
So, in celebration of this amazing feat – here’s a quick look at one way that bicycles are used in space.
Astronauts’ bodies have to withstand a zero-gravity environment. While in space, they often lose between 1 to 2 percent of their bone mass each month, so they have to exercise regularly to keep tone and mass.
On the International Space Station, astronauts are advised to exercise between 90 to 120 minutes every 24 hours (more than on Earth) to maintain fitness in zero-gravity. In order to achieve this, cycling is one of the most popular exercise choices for astronauts.
The astronauts use a purpose space-built stationary bicycle to use. The video below features Astronaut Doug Wheelock explaining the features and equipment used for cycling while on board the International Space Station. (Forward the video to 4’30” if you want to skip the explanation and go straight to the cycle harness demo. NG).
And a few other random ways bicycles and space come together…
