andy.tsang - Ozcykler 2010- |

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: