Lately, we’ve witnessed some interesting bike concepts that may very well change the world one day. Three of them seem to stand out so far, because of their effectiveness and possibility of being accepted by a large part of the community.

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Some people at MIT have been working on a smart wheel which can potentially revolutionize bicycle riding – and they just unveiled it at the Copenhagen Conference of Climate Change. The wheel has a battery which stores energy generated by you while you’re cycling – and it can use that energy to give you a boost when you need it.

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The Green Eye Candy and the Orange Tequila Sunrise are two revolutionary ideas by Jason Battersby.

Certainly a class apart from the crowd, the two maverick machines are hand-made from fibreglass to give out a look of well-oiled fluidity. Fast, supple and streamlined with strong rims, the Green Eye Candy and the Orange Tequila Sunrise resemble motorcycles more than bicycles.

A ground-breaking design exercise, both machines are widely expected to excite and attract biking fans who would like to exercise. Comfortable with a seat area that is relaxed and squat (champion in the 2007 Toronto Speedorama), it’s the sleek design that makes them the perfect commuter for your daily activities.

Great additions. Thanks Jason![via Behance]

Bike commuting to work sounds like a great thing both for your health and the Earth’s. But when you have one of these Factor001, it’s like going on a date and driving a Ferrari. Known as the world’s most advanced bicycle, it’s been built by the F1 engineering specialists from BERU f1systems as “a ground-breaking training tool combining innovative design and advanced electronics”.

Built on a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque structure the bike integrates an on-board computer, a performance monitoring system and motorsport-grade sensors that give you all those biometric and performance details after a ride. It also packs a GPS and a radio transmitter.

Designed for professional and semi-professional athletes, the high-tech bike will sell for a whopping £20,000 (some $28,000). [via Inhabitat]

If anyone was wondering why the Dutch are not only healthier but also more productive than others, we have the answer: “Employees who regularly travel to work by bike are, on average, ill one day less a year than the others. Therefore they are better value.”

It doesn’t surprise us, because we already knew that cars make us fat, but bringing more profits for the companies we work … that’s a new one. And I’m thinking about it from the blogger’s perspective who’d be much more productive, but what do you do when you work from home? How about cycling (or exercising) at least a few times a week and embrace the “green” way? [via Pysorg]

Image courtesy of BikePortland.org

On display at the CES this year and designed by Amsterdam-based designer Ties Carlier, the Moof bike is both fascinating and intriguing as it seems to have put us in a bit of a spin. This very Spartan-styled bike has clean and clear straight lines, looks very robust and is stylish enough to be taken out on the street.

Rather than using LED lights that stick out on the outside, it incorporates two solar powered lamps within the bike itself and and makes it look more classic than contemporary. But our interest is on functions and less on form.

However, where is all that solar energy going to come from? That seems to be a more compelling question when you look at the remainder of the bike and actually find no solar cells.

For a single-speed bike with leather on top of its handle bars and seat, this really does not look all that green. Considering that it will cost you $500, no matter how fashionable it looks we think the only green around is the cash you will shell out!

via Inhabitat

Have you changed your habits? Do you commute to work on a bicycle or doing an extra mile walking? Well, good for you. Apparently you’re not only helping the environment to reduce carbon emissions, but you’re also helping yourself to stay healthier.

Researchers at the University of Tennessee and Rutgers University found a direct link between “active transportation” and obesity. As if there wasn’t enough evidence, the study showed that obesity levels in countries where people would rather walk or pedal (to be read Europe) instead of driving cars (to be read USA) are lower. And do we really have to ask why?

Oh and if you needed any stats, you should know that “Europeans walk an average of 237 miles each year and bike another 116, while Americans walk 87 miles and bike 24″. Also, only “12 percent of Americans use active transportation: 9 percent walk, 1 percent ride a bike and 2 percent take a bus or train; over 25% of Americans are obese.”

How about we find a way to help ourselves and the planet at the same time?

Source: Reuters

Sanyo Electric will release an electric hybrid bicycle that has a Lithium ion secondary battery and a twofold assist force, early next February 2009 in Japan.

Dubbed the “eneloop bike (product No: CY-SPA226)” it’s an industry’s first product that reflects revisions in the Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations that came into effect on Dec 1, 2008. The maximum drive assist ratio (motor drive force to human power) is 1:2 in Japan. The 26-inch bicycle will cost ¥136,290 (approx US$1,463, including tax).

The motor that drives the front wheel is brushless motor and has a rated output of 250W. The rated voltage and capacity of the Lithium-ion secondary battery increased 1.5 times to 25.9V and 6.0Ah, respectively. The charging time increased from two to 3.5 hours.

The eneloop bike uses the assist motor as a generator during braking and downhill riding for recharging and can run in:

1. Auto mode switches between assist and power generation automatically.
2. Power Up mode provides a continuous assist force = double human power.
3. Standard mode provides an assist equivalent to human power and recharges the battery when braking.

The cruising distance of the bike is 57km (33mi) without regenerative charging and it is 75km (60mi) in the Standard mode where regenerative charging occurs during braking. In the Auto mode, the travel distance reaches 100km.

Sanyo also released a model with a Ni-hydrogen secondary battery. But the cruising distance of this model in the Auto mode is only 53km.

The electric hybrid bicycle market sold 283,000 units in 2007. Sanyo hopes for 300,000 units in 2008.

Source: NikkeiBP

No matter what people tell you, one of the best ways to go green is by cycling around the neighborhood whenever possible instead of using your car for every short ride. If you happen to be a fitness freak, then you will also find this as a great way to keep fit and enjoy your ride as you go along.

But with winters and snow at the door, cycling your way across damp and snow-covered roads can be quite a hazard at times. Here are four simple ways to keep safe and travel “green” this winter.

1. Strap your helmet on and dazzle up your bike lights

Safety is the first thing that must be on your mind when going out on your bicycle this winter and on the soggy and slippery roads, you could easily lose grip. Always put on helmet and maybe even shin pads and make sure your head and tail lights are bright and visible. Put reflective tape on your outer clothes, your bags, and your helmet. More visibility means safety from a car that otherwise could run over you when you are down on the road.

2. Respect nature and stay away from frostbite

Even the most experienced adventurers will tell you that you must respect nature. If conditions out there are not safe for you, then stop your trip or slow down. Allow for the extra time that it might take and always be sure to guard against frostbite. Never rush into warmer conditions from cold ones as the cold blood then can rush back to your heart and create a severe problem.

3. Dress to kill the chill (winter bike riding outfit)

Dress in the best way you can to keep out the cold. A cap under the helmet, layers of clothing and good gloves will help you a great deal. Also carry a raincoat in case you think it can get wet. Sweating inside the layers can be still dangerous as moisture is not your friend. Keep warm and dry.

4. Learn the skill to drive on damp conditions

It is one thing to drive on a dry road and a totally different ball game when it comes to wet conditions. Use tires that are broader than normal and with deeper groves and slightly deflated to counteract the dampness. It takes a special skill to drive on the wet track. (Ask Michael Schumacher, if you have any doubts about that).

Using your bicycle for that perfect ride this winter will not be that difficult and will be a lot safer if you keep these things in mind.

Image courtesy of Mikey G Ottawa

Romania is a small country in Eastern Europe, with not much of a success in making the world a better place when it comes to the environment.

However, steps are being taken and young people get more and more actively involved in promoting greener technologies and solutions for the cities they live in.

With the help of many foundations and eco clubs in Timisoara – 2nd/3rd largest city in Romania, the Green For Bicycles campaign will start off with the first gathering on Saturday 25th in front of the Dan Paltiniseanu Stadium at 11 o`clock sharp.

Dubbed “Bike Counting” the initiative is meant to teach people that bicycles are great alternatives for a crowded city like Timisoara, and to make sure the authorities will notice their existence, hence building more special lanes for bicyclists.

I’m very upset because I miss it this time, but I’ve got my sources in and will get some pictures from the “parade” when everything ends.

I sure hope weather will be with them, because it’s kinda cloudy in Romania at the moment and tomorrow is not going to be much better.