This week’s round-up features video game level cycling technology, exploration of cycling as a force for global good, cash opportunities from cycling, and a great exhibition.
The top image is a fabulous piece of bike path decoration in Washington DC, snapped by a Reddit user. Quirky little additions like this are always a welcome part of riding – we’ve seen Space Invader themed spraypaint on a lot of paths around London. Have you seen anything similar?
Heads up!
Tech-heads among you will be pleased to hear that an offshoot of an Israeli defence technology company are planning to create sunglasses for cyclists with a built in heads-up display. The technology which has been used by pilots for a long time is about to make the transition to cycling tech, and could change the way we look at the road:
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The working name for the product is ‘Raptor’, which sounds suitably badass. The numbers on the display are speed, power, cadence and distance travelled so far: perfect for those among us who like to keep track of the data!
Global goals
This year the UN set out 17 Global Goals, designed to provide structure and direction for the world’s development over the coming years. A recent report by the European Cyclists’ Federation and the World Cycling Alliance, titled “Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals”, aims to demonstrate how cycling contributes to 11 of these goals. The examples they give are:
- #3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
- #8: promote sustained inclusive and sustainable economic growth
- #12: ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
This is a great reminder of how important and versatile it is. Whether you engage with the activity as a means of exercise, as an activity to preface a beer with the lads, or as a vehicle for global change – each option is equally valid. Here are all 17 goals, if you’re interested:
Cycle to work, earn £££
Recently we wrote about a scheme in France that planned to reimburse people if they cycled to work. The BBC reported this week that a similar scheme is now being introduced in Massarosa, a town near Pisa.
Cyclists will be able to claim ¢25 per kilometre up to a cap of €50 per month, leading to a possible €600 over a year. The money will be generated via traffic tickets in the town – a step that will almost definitely generate some animosity from the charged motorists!
Extra beer money!
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Hopefully it will have the intended effect of increasing the number of cyclists and perception of cycling!
Our story of the week
This week’s top story is a double-whammy from the Guardian – one piece outlining the appeal of the Design Museum’s recent Cycle Revolution exhibition, and the second a run-down of the 12 technological developments that revolutionised cycling.
The aim of Cycle Revolution according to its curator is “to reflect cycling in many different areas”, reflected well by the exhibition’s inclusion of zippy racing bikes, record breakers (Eddy Merckx’s hour record bike, anyone?), cargo bikes, iconic bikes of decades past, and everything in between. This video from New China gives an overview:
If you’re able to get to Cycle Revolution, the exhibition runs from 18 November 2015 to 30 June 2016. If not, a read through the second article’s showcase of technological milestones, from practical (3D printing) to kitsch (the Chopper) to taken-for-granted (the saddle), makes a perfect substitute.