bike innovation

image from: http://ecologicalurbanliving.blogspot.com

I have always thought it to be such a great loss for China to adopt and extoll the car over the ubiquitous bicycle... at a time where many cities within the Western world were appreciating the benefits of bicycle transport and the benefits of increasing health and reducing traffic congestion. Europeans have been at the forefront of encouraging bicycle use for everyday commuting and ensuring the safety of bicycle riders. I saw this video some time ago, describing a Dutch solution for increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety at intersections.  

This week I came across two groundbreaking bicycle innovations - using some smart thinking and adapting new technology. 

image from: http://www.hovding.com

The first was a helmet developed by two Swedish designers, using airbag technology that deploys in the event of an accident. The designers won a prestigious INDEX: Design to Improve Life award. See the video here. This might not be so comfortable for cyclists in warmer climates, but I'm sure it would aid comfort in cooler climates - allowing warm hats to be worn to be worn while cycling. 

image from: http://www.flykly.com

The second innovation was a 'smart wheel' that can be fixed to any standard bicycle to easily and effectively turn it into an electric-powered bicycle. Developed by FlyKly and funded by Kickstarter. Watch the video here. This clever project uses smart phone GPS and motion technology to control and monitor use, plot routes, adjust speed - as well as identify location in the event that the bicycle is stolen! Apparently this design uses much of the same technology as the previously developed Copenhagen wheel. 

I was really impressed by each of these designs as they assist people to commute to work without the need to wear specialized clothing. The FlyKly, can also avoid building up a sweat: a real dilemma for commuters in workplaces that don't provide shower or change facilities. 

I always wear a bicycle helmet when cycling - as I am basically really scared not to! 
I know many are reluctant to. Research suggests that mandatory helmet-wearing laws create a deterrent to increasing bicycle use. There is research to indicate that cyclists are more at risk from other road users when wearing a helmet. Then there is the more recent dilemma of wearing helmets when bike-sharing in municipalities which mandate helmet wearing. 

Anyway... I love the innovation! 

trees, trees, glorious trees

image from: http://news.fredericksburg.com/

Up early for a very worthwhile cause on Friday. I was asked if I would like to attend a tree planting initiative coordinated by the local not-for-profit Tree Fredericksburg, in conjunction with local volunteers from Dominion Power and Cox Communication. The event was made possible with a grant provided by Dominion.

The planting took place on two sites in Fredericksburg. The first included 58 street trees within the newer Villas of Snowden residential subdivision, which was largely devoid of trees. The trees included several species and home owners were able to have some input into species selection for planting in front of their homes. The second site included 38 trees planted around the Old Walker Grant School and the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg. 

All volunteers were fitted out with safety vests, goggles and gloves. We were given a safety instruction, did a quick warm-up and were then given a tree planting demonstration. Breaking into groups of three to four people, each group was issued with shovels, stake tampers, pliers, tree guards and plastic sheet/tarp to empty tree and soil onto. Each tree had had it's hole pre-dug - so this made it easier to remove soil. Prior to the tree plant, trees had had roots washed, been delivered to site and stakes and a bag of mulch supplied to each tree location. 

Working on many large design projects during my life as a Landscape Architect, meant that I was not involved in a great deal of site work: more along the lines of inspection than supervision. This plant was a great insight into in situ tree planting - and application of the bare rooted planting technique developed by Bonnie Lee Appleton from Virginia Tech. 

The morning was cold, but we soon warmed up with some physical work. It was fun working with a bunch of Dominion line and office workers, many who exhibited the bravado to try and 'out-plant' each other - thus making the atmosphere somewhat lighthearted. I had a great time and came away with that feeling of virtue obtained by doing something worthwhile. Paul commented upon how I 'glowed' with enthusiasm on my return. 

vertical slum... or oasis?

image from YouTube

I read about this slum in Caracas, Venezuala. Torre de David - known as the world's tallest slum. On face value, it seems like an absolute disaster: a vacant, unfinished, unserviced skyscraper - abandoned during construction due to an economic crash... and then filled with some 2,500 squatters out of both protest and necessity.

Watching a short documentary produced by Vocativ, another (contrary) story emerged. One where housing is viewed less of a commodity and more of a basic right. Where a supportive community has evolved and adopted innovative solutions to a seemingly hostile environment. Where a severe shortage of housing makes a vertical slum far preferable to one on ground level that is subject to the vagaries of weather and lacks the same sense of community. Accessibility is limited due the lack of elevators. This is an inconvenience but aids safety as people must climb multiple floors. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking film.

Vocativ is a crowd-sourced media start-up in beta stage. An independent news service, this will be an interesting source for information.