Energy-Geek: Planning a Bicycle by Committee for the Men and women of Bordeaux

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Planning a Bicycle by Committee for the Men and women of Bordeaux

What a concept: Democracy in transportation design and style for urban settings.

Very last November, the Town of Bordeaux in France asked citizens to make ideas on what they would like to see integrated in the layout of a new city bicycle. More than 300 citizens shared their concepts, which designer Philippe Starck has now employed as the inspiration for what has been provisionally known as the Town PIBAL Streamer – an intriguing concept wherever riders can possibly sit and peddle like on a conventional bike, or stand on the system and use it like a scooter.

The number of cyclists in the city tripled in Bordeaux above the previous fifteen a long time, thanks in element to a thorough tram network and numerous metropolis middle traffic limits. Drop hire bicycle points have been placed during the location, and this is exactly where the new town bicycle/scooter will be added.

According to Paul Ridden of gizmag, The Metropolis PIBAL Streamer design and style principle was lately unveiled at the Cyclab 2 celebration by Starck and the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppé. The end result is said to be both sturdy and functional, with a lot of area for onboard storage. The experience attributes a light-weight aluminum frame with a standing system at the bottom. The bike also capabilities coloured wheels, hub braking and automated, integrated LED lights.

Produce of the new style will be the duty of Peugeot. The company’s engineers are to assemble a run of three,000 bikes for the Town of Bordeaux for conclude of 12 months availability. It’s throughout this period of time that any technical concerns relating to the notion will be tackled – this kind of as body pressure details and core strength.