Wednesday 28 April 2010

The science of cycling

Just discovered an interesting site about the science of cycling. The science of cycling
Read for example about what an efficient means of transportation the bicycle is. In fact cycling is more efficient than any other method of travel--including walking! The one billion bicycles in the world are a testament to its effectiveness. The engine for this efficient mode of transport is the human body. Because bodies are fueled by food, diet plays an important role in how the body performs. Different muscle groups and types provide the power. Genetic inheritance, intensive training, and a competitive drive help top athletes push the boundaries of endurance and speed on the bicycle.

Sunday 11 April 2010

Worldbike.org


The problem of rural poverty is often a problem of mobility. The most common way to get from point A to B in rural regions is on foot. Walking may be inexpensive, but it’s also inefficient when journeys involve long distances, heavy loads, or urgency of arrival, as is often the case. Increased mobility for the rural poor puts distant markets, schools and clinics within reach. Without it, development stalls.

The right kind of bicycle is an ideal low-cost, efficient and sustainable development tool for the rural poor. Bicycling is on average three times faster than walking and significantly less costly than motorcycles and cars. A durable cargo bike can increase carrying capacity five-fold over “headloading,” the most common form of rural transport which involves carrying goods on the head. While nexpensive, headloading is inefficient and drives gender inequity.

Worldbike designs and distributes low-cost bicycles for programs that increase economic opportunity, improve health outcomes and boost enrollment and gender equity in secondary school among the rural poor. Our bikes withstand large loads, rough terrain and inclimate weather and are configured to be not only affordable, but also maintained and repaired locally. Through partnership with international and local agencies, private companies, foundations and NGOs, Worldbike helps to arrange microcredit financing for bike purchases and supplement sales with support from funders and private donors.
Worldbike.org

Monday 5 April 2010

Bicycle lift Trampe

Hilly cities normally have a low share of cycling. How come that Trondheim, the third largest city of Norway, has the highest share of cycling compared to all the other Norwegian cities?
One of the most important infrastructure elements is the bicycle lift Trampe. Since the opening in 1993, it's pushed more than 220 000 cyclist up the very steep hill BBrubakken in the historical heritage part of the city center. Have a look at this video and at the link below.



www.trampe.no

Saturday 3 April 2010

Velo City 2010


Velo-city Global 2010 - Different Gears, Same Destination
World’s largest Global Conference on Cycling
Copenhagen, June 22-25, 2010

The first ever VELO-CITY GLOBAL 2010, a conference that brings together cycling experts, city planners, decision makers, NGOs and researchers from all over the world to discuss the potential and challenges of cycling.

Congestion, obesity, climate change and quality of life in the cities are important global issues. Cycling has a vital role to play in tackling these problems and in improving the climate and quality of life in the cities.

Velo-city 2010

Thursday 1 April 2010

Bicycle Parking Boat

All kinds of creative solutions exist to stimulate the use of the bicycle. Such as the bicycle parking boat! Many examples are collected and presented by the Centre of expertise on bicycle policy. For more information have a look at:
www.fietsberaad.nl