andy.tsang - Ozcykler 2010- |

Andy Tsang's Concept:







Boris Nguyen's Concept:









Thomas Dux's Concept:

Bike helmets aren't exactly lauded for their fashion-forwardness. (Hello, helmet hair!) For a noggin protector that doesn't make you look like a sweaty quarterback or someone who's making a grab for the Tour de France championship title, take a gander at designer Kyle J. Ferguson's eco-friendly concept helmet for Lacoste.

Comprising sustainable materials like organic wool, thermoformed bio-plastic, low-density cork and soy-based foam, Ferguson's helmet is, in his own words, "well-suited to leisurely rides around town, running errands, or commuting."





Source: Treehugger

Electric cars are designed and coming out in the market already. Some also come in hybrid mechanism and all of these kinds of vehicles carry the intention of saving the environment as its produce less if not zero emission. Another eco transportation means is designed and this time around, it is an electric bicycle concept called the HMK 561 and is designed by Ralf Kittmann. The HMK 561’s carbon fiber construction serves as the electricity conduction and capacitor that stores energy thus allows the bike’s frames to transmit power and allows the lights and motors to move. What is nicer with this bikes is that, it gains energy by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, thus the engine and light will turn on.








Source: Igreenspot

Bicycle share system

Design Brief:
As the congestions on roads continue to scale new heights, it has being calculated to cost the global economy trillions of dollars worth of lost productivity. Therefore the City of Melbourne has approached Ozcyckler to develop an innovative bicycle system that could help ease the current and future congestions on our roads.

Aesthetics:
• Be distinctive and unique in appearance
• Non intrusive in design
• Sturdy and clean in appearance
• Areas of promotional graphics, corporate advertising
• The form can follow function

Environment
• Designed for shared use in the public domain
• Must be able to withstand the rigorous Melbourne weather conditions

Materials:
• Environmentally sustainable materials will be chosen where available
• Recycled second hand material will be used if suitable

Marketing
• Advertising campaigns via the city council
• Partnership with health insurance companies
• Partnership with superannuation institutions

Packaging
• Packaging/transport cost will be kept to a minimum

Safety
• Adjustable helmets will be provided upon rental

Security
• Bikes will be secured to a docking station when not being used
• Integrated locks will provide temporary security

Legal
• Meet all Australian legal requirements and bicycle standards (lights, reflectors, bell, helmet)

Count them for yourself

The public bike scheme chosen by Melbourne—BIXI—continues to expand following its choice by Minnesota in the US.

The Montreal-designed BIXI system has also been chosen by Boston and London. The Melbourne version will hit the streets in mid-year.

The first phase of the Minnesota operation, to be known as Nice Bike, will have a 1,000 bikes at 80 kiosks and will be launched in June.

The bikes will be located in the CBD, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and surrounding commercial districts.

The system will operate on a non-profit basis, with income supplemented by sponsorship and by funds obtained from the historic settlement with tobacco companies.

The livery of the Melbourne bikes has not yet been revealed.


Source: Bicycle Victoria

Below is a link to an extensive list of bike providers from across the globe.


Link: The Bike-Sharing World Map

great video showing how the bixi system in montreal is installed.

Citywide bike schemes are popping up all over the world, as we've noted on several occasions already, touting myriad benefits for the environment, urban congestion and human health. As is so often the case when equipment is shared, however, hygiene concerns inevitably follow—particularly during winter months and events such as the current swine flu pandemic. Enter Cyclean, a handlebar cover designed to protect bike users from germs.

Developed by Spanish PersonalBox with Barcelona's Bicing bike scheme in mind, Cyclean covers are hygienic, adjustable and waterproof sheaths that are available in versions tailored both for street bicycles and for the indoor variety used in gyms. Using the bright-red, condomlike covers, bicyclists can avoid contact with all the dirt, dust, pollution, viruses, water, sweat and other potential unsavouries that might be lurking on a shared bike's handlebar grips. Launched in December, Cyclean covers are recyclable and photodegradable, PersonalBox says. They are available online and through retail bike shops in Barcelona and Madrid; pricing is EUR 5 for either a bag of 18 pairs for street bikes or 12 pairs for indoor bicycles. A video on Vimeo demonstrates Cyclean in action.

Of course, whether the world needs yet another disposable item on the streets is far from clear, as TreeHugger points out—particularly when a pair of washable gloves could presumably do just as well. Their safety, meanwhile, would seem to depend on a good, tight fit—something PersonalBox has no doubt already ensured. Nevertheless, consumers will ultimately decide whether disposable handlebar covers offer enough advantages to be compelling—if they do, could make a nice feeder business for gyms and bike sharing programs around the world. One to watch!

Source: Springwise

Was browsing the internet today and found this really interesting looking transport bicycle.
Below is a description of the bike along with some photos...

The Cabby is the maximum capacity transport bicycle.

The Cabby is Gazelle's answer to the "Bakfiets" craze hitting Dutch cities. Because the Dutch use their bike for everything, a large capacity bicycle has become popular for hauling kids and shopping. A cargo bike is a great alternative to the car for many trips and is so much more fun!

The Gazelle Cabby has extra wide tyres for better grip and a low step through frame for extra comfort. There is an extra long luggage carrier on the back of the bike to carry large capacity panniers as well. The 2-wheeled design rides much like a normal bike which is important in corners and is superior in handling to the 3-wheel design cargo bike that is also available on the market.

Gazelle has patented the foldable design of the cargo box which helps when negotiating tight spaces like the doorway of a house or garage. The bench seat in the Cabby has space for 2 children side by side and are kept safe by strong seat belts.

We guarantee your kids will have a smile from ear to ear riding in the Cabby...and you will too!

General specifications:

An improved on and off-road bike path network and better bike facilities are the focus of the City of Melbourne’s new Bicycle Plan 2007 - 2011.

Under the plan, Council aims to:

improve bicycle facilities
upgrade bike routes to improve safety, connections and sign-posting
conduct a safe cycling education campaign aimed at motorists and cyclists
set up better communication channels with cyclists
An early achievement of the plan is the recent construction of new Cycling infrastructure in the City of Melbourne.

Bicycle plan 2007-2011.pdf has more information about the future of melbourne's bike plans

Source: Melbourne City Council

What part of Swanston Street is under review?
The section of Swanston Street under review is between Flinders Street to the south and Franklin Street to the north.

Why is it necessary to review Swanston Street?
Swanston Street is a public and civic space for all Melburnians as well as a functioning street in which trams, bicycles and service and delivery vehicles need to be accommodated.

Swanston Street provides direct access to iconic buildings, such as the Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, City Square, Town Hall and the State Library. By 2020, more than one million people are expected to access the city each weekday.

On Tuesday 2 February 2010 the Future Melbourne Committee recommended the design concept and commencement of stage one to Council.

Pending the outcomes of the road closure process, works in Swanston Street are scheduled to commence by September 2010.

Tender will commence in July 2010 and construction in September 2010 to finish by early to mid 2011.

Stage one (July 2010 to June 2011) Latrobe Street tram platform

Stage two (July 2011 to June 2012) Bourke Street, Collins Street and Franklin Street tram platforms

How much will the project cost?
After an extensive design and research phase and on expansion of the civic brief for the street, we now estimate that the project cost will be $25.6 million.

For stage one in the first year of the project (2010-11 financial year) $7.8 million will be required. This will be sought through the Council budget process.

We will pause at the completion of stage one and assess exactly what is needed to complete stage two.

Stage two will see the majority of the redevelopment works completed including further design, construction of all four platform tram stops, implementing the road closure, new lighting and increased amenity including granite and bluestone paving.

A further $17.3 million will then be sought from future budgets to complete the subsequent works.

We will pause at the completion of stage two and assess exactly what is needed to complete the vision.

Where will this money come from? Will Council need to take funding from other projects to deliver Swanston Street?
This is essentially a capital works project. The 2009 total capital works budget was in excess of $60 million. In 2010 Swanston Street will be factored into the budget process just like any other major project.

State government contribution is also being confirmed.

What about stage three? There are no costings for it contained in the report. How much more will it cost?
Stage three is more about further beautification of the street, and addresses the blocks in between the tram stops. We will make an assessment on exactly what, if any, part of stage three is required once stage two has taken shape, so we can evaluate what is needed to complete the vision.

Will there be any further public consultation on the redevelopment?
The Inter-Agency Steering Committee will continue to oversee the project, and there will be a range of stakeholder consultation that continues to take place in relation to the specifics of street-level works.

We consulted the public extensively on the outcomes they wanted for the street, and the project continues to be driven by the community’s preferred outcomes –less vehicles and greater priority for trams, bikes and pedestrians.

The community engagement plan January to June was noted by Council. Consultation with stakeholders will continue throughout stage one and stage two to resolve issues of concern.

What will happen to the parades?
Parades that use Swanston Street include the Moomba Parade, Anzac Day March, Melbourne Cup Parade, Grand Final Parade and the Christmas Parade.

This design option will not impede parade functions of the street. The surface materials and construction of the parade corridor must allow for parade horse traffic.

The implementation of this design option for platform stops may improve the experience for spectators as it elevates the view above the procession. The absence of permanent shelters or barriers will ensure views are not obstructed.

The Grand Final Parade currently passes through the Collins street Superstops and the Myer Christmas Parade passes through the Bourke Street Mall superstop platforms.

The space in front of the Town Hall will create an open area to hold events on the street.

Wider pedestrians crossing adjoining the platform stops will create more open space and accessibility allowing freedom of movement and viewing areas for pedestrians.

Will I still be able to get a NightRider Bus from Swanston Street?
NightRider buses will continue to have access the street.

NightRider buses are a key aspect to our late-night transport and city safety initiatives and we will continue to accommodate them through all stages of the redevelopment.

At the end of stage two their terminal will be relocated from City Square to the block adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane.

Will horse-drawn vehicles be banned from Swanston Street?
Horse-drawn vehicles will continue to have access to the street.

Once stage two is complete, the endorsed design will allow for horse-drawn vehicles to park and trade in front of St Paul’s Cathedral between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane.

We have also offered the horse-drawn vehicle operators an alternative parking location on St Kilda Road, opposite the Arts Centre in front of Alexandra Gardens.

We have offered to install infrastructure and shelters in this location and assist them further in promoting their services through our tourism and marketing channels.

The operators have indicated that they rely heavily on pedestrian customers in Swanston Street for their trade, however, our research has shown that the space offered to them on St Kilda Road provides access to high levels of tourist pedestrian traffic. This is the location where cruise ship tourist buses drop off and pick up about 40,000 tourist passengers per year.

The NightRider buses' new location will not impede on the horse-drawn vehicles' proposed location as they operate at different time.

How will the design impact on street trading vendors and outdoor cafes?
The endorsed design concept will encourage further activity along Swanston Street including street vendors, busking, and outdoor cafes.

Accessibility for street trading vendors to access Swanston Street will not be impeded by the design.

Street trading vendors will need to adhere to the new delivery vehicle access times at the completion of stage two.

What will happen to the existing trees in the redevelopment?
The existing trees in Swanston Street will remain. The design to incorporate florals around the existing trees will allow for additional hand watering.

Will any additional trees be added along the street?
The number of additional trees to be added along the street will be detailed in design work during construction. At this stage we cannot say exactly how many trees will be added at each of the four new public spaces.

Below is a picture of the proposal as seen on seven news...


Source: Melbourne City Council

To make cycling to the city an even easier option, the City of Melbourne and the Department of Transport have provided a bike pod in City Square.

The bike pod’s facilities include:

two self-contained showers
a basin and mirror
changing space
clothes hooks
a bench seat
floor heating for comfort and drying
stainless steel floor for hygiene
For security, the bike pod has an automated door with a time lapse.

The bike pod will be available for use from Monday 22 February at the City Square Car Park, 202 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

As Melbourne’s population continues to grow, the City of Melbourne continues to focus on promoting sustainable forms of transport. We are committed to improving bike path networks and bike facilities to encourage more people to adopt cycling.

Source: Melbourne City Council