Cycling is the simplest, most natural means of transport, after walking. It’s cool, green and money saving. From Berlin to New York… all hipsters have a bicycle. But, it ‘s not only just fashionable: it is a long term trend.
For the first time since the end of the Second World War the number of bicycles sold in Italy – a real car aficionados country – has overtaken the number of cars. In more than 170 cities around the world, public bike sharing programs are getting more and more popular. Since 2007, velib in Paris is the biggest bike-sharing in the world. Even in USA young people are driving less and not only because of the recession!
Bicycle is now one of the favorite products developed by designers who are no longer only interested in lamps or chairs as during the turn of century. Some designers really want to change the world and they understood the potential of this object.
Israeli engineer and systems developer Izhar Gafni has invented a sustainable cardboard bicycle “alpha” that’s strong, waterproof and costs less than £10 to manufacture. Alpha is mostly cardboard and 100% recycled materials, yet uses a belt-driven pedal system that makes it maintenance free. Read more…