Filed under: Etc., On Two Wheels
Innovate or die: Create a pedal-powered machine and win a prize
If we don't ask too much about production methods, bicycles are the cleanest vehicles on the planet. Powered solely by human energy, they keep cities' air clean, occupy less space and are the second cheapest method of transportation. Walking is even cheaper, but that might change depending on your shoes.
Specialized, a bike manufacturer, and Google have teamed up to create the Innovate or die contest. What's this about? Easy: Create the most amazing pedal-powered machine you (or you and up to four of your friends) can create, film it, upload it into YouTube and if you're the winner, you'll receive $5,000US. Finalists will get Specialized bikes and 200 contestants will get t-shirts. The t-shirts, according to the site "may provoke compliments like Nice shirt".
So how's your imagination? Good? Submit your ideas before December 15th. Some are already working on it.
Related:
[Source: Specialized, Google - Thanks to Ali]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 5:40PM (9/21/2007)
The key benefit of this is actually not the electricity saved, it's the exercise gained. Imagine how much fitter and thinner people would be if they had to ride a bicycle generator to watch TV. Chances are, they would also spend less of their time on those activities and more on socializing. Also, their svelte figure would mean they could actually fit in a narrow car, like a Loremo. That's where the real energy savings kick in.
However, I'd suggest a recumbent layout with an LCD monitor and dedicated set-top box or DVR channel. Choice encourages users to extend the time spent exercising, which is otherwise a very boring activity. Ergonomically, the design presented here is suboptimal.
For office work, the idea is pretty much a non-starter because you can't concentrate on typing up an email or doing things with your mouse while you're exercising. Besides, you'll work up a sweat, so the others at your next meeting will be holding their noses.
Instead, use an electric bike to get to work when it's nice out and then pedal home, where you can recharge the battery. This is not an option if you live very far from work, but covered trikes like the AeroRider from Holland let you cruise at 25mph even without breaking a sweat. If you live in the hills, there's an electric assist option. It's not cheap by bicycle standards but perhaps worth considering instead of a second car plus gym membership.
Reply