I found this innovation during the beginning of last semester while browsing the internet. This is one of the coolest and smartest things I have come across in a while. Although it was thought up by the brilliant minds at MIT, it is still mind blowing even compared to the other stuff they have innovated.
With bike fever taking over Oxy's campus, I figured this was a cool way to think about the future biking in general. It brings science, utility and design all into the same conversation, while also staying green, healthy and keeping bikes relevant. I clearly am no MIT scholar so I think it is best if the video speaks for itself, but I will try to explain it briefly. Essentially the Copenhagen wheel allows you to store the dissipated energy one wastes while braking the bike, and when you need a boost up a hill or you are just feeling tired, the wheel will release the energy and rotate the wheel faster, thus you go faster with less of your energy being expended. The wheel also comes with a social aspect. You can keep track of your "green miles" (how many miles you have ridden with the copenhagen wheel on) with iphone apps and facebook groups.
Just something cool and relevant for our class and oxy's movement towards green living. Enjoy.
http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel/
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A brief update to the bike fever on campus mentioned by Max via the bike sharing program: the locker that will hold safety supplies and other equipment in the library is supposed to be delivered today. This will hold bike helmets, reflective vests, and a few other materials. This is one step of many that have been taking place to change the bike sharing program from a concept to a reality.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea. At $500-1000 it's a bit expensive but if it helps to achieve the Mayor of Copenhagen's goal for 50 percent of the citizens to take their bike to work or school every day, it is well worth the price. I hope it can hold up to all the hype. Also I'm sure that the technology will improve significantly over the years if interest is high enough for this first generation.
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