Pop-Sci Core77 Design Challenge/ Description HUMAN POWERED 10/20/03

Description of Design

Many cities around the world have traffic and pollution problems, which mostly originates from the big amount of cars. The question I am trying to answer is: How can transportation in the city be easy without creating traffic problems? Alternative solutions to cars are public transportation, taxis, scooters and bicycles. These options solve the problem with traffic jam, but not problems with pollution. Another problem is that the sound level is high (from cars, buses, taxis etc.). A zero emitting and silent transportation vehicle would be desired. For this purpose, a bicycle or scooter is perfect, at least for transportation in crowded city streets and for commuting. It is also ideal for tourists and people coming to town with public transportation, if they could grab a bike for a while and then return it when not needed anymore. There are some not so well functioning bicycle sharing programs in a few cities. The idea is that for a small fee or no fee at all, one can borrow a bike within the city. The bikes can be taken and returned at any of the bike stands around town. The people using them do not have to worry about finding parking and the risk of getting the bike stolen. Focus The focus of the project has been to identify the ideal characteristics for a city bike and designing the system, incorporating the bicycle, the bicycle stand, the payment method and a graphic profile. Vehicle Specifications Identified components, which would make a good community bicycle. - Low maintenance, long lasting parts - Fewer the number of parts the better - Solid rubber tires to prevent flats - Ideally, no chain. They break and fall off - One gear - Back pedal coaster brake - Use wheels without metal spokes. - Not desirable to be stolen - Heavy - Can't be used for parts on other "normal" bicycles - Clearly identifiable - Unique design which doesn't look like "normal" bikes - Painted a particular colour. Bright colours make the bike more noticeable Design The city bike concept, spike, has all the above mentioned components. It has a durable frame construction which differs it from other bicycles. The frame is made out of two vacuum formed aluminium sheet metal pieces, which are welded together. This gives the bike its characteristic rugged, heavy look. Advertising space is provided on both sides, the drive chain is enclosed in the frame to avoid dirty trousers and keep maintenance low (the frame is open from underneath for maintenance purposes). This frame design has given the opportunity for some other interesting solutions for example saddle post adjustment, bag hangers, lights enclosed by the frame and packet holder. See pictures for detailed information. The bike is placed in a modular bike rack. These racks are placed throughout the city where there is a need for bikes. Whoever wants to use one of the bikes has to register for a card that unlocks a bike. It is free to borrow a bike, but the user is identified in a database and is responsible for getting the bike back to a rack within 24 hours.