Wise Words with Andrew Denham
Andrew Denham is the founder of The Bicycle Academy, an initiative offering bicycle-making workshops to participants, who then see their creations sent to African communities to help improve transport links.
The Bicycle Academy is an initiative that trains participants to build bike frames which are then sent to African communities where transport links are scarce. The bikes can act as cargo carriers, ambulances or just an easier mode of getting around. READ MORE…
Bicycles designed for less mobile riders
We have already seen bicycles modified to cater for riders who may have trouble using standard models, with US-based Super Sized Cycles enabling those with a weight of up to 550 pounds to keep fit on two wheels. Now Elev8 Bikes has developed a new design which enables less mobile cyclists to adjust their seat while riding using a gas spring mechanism. READ MORE…
Foldable mountain bike doubles as rucksack for the uphill climb
It was only a few weeks ago that we covered Hive’s hybrid snowshoe with the ability to glide downhill, and recently we came across an innovation that brings similar flexibility to hikers navigating other types of terrain. Specifically, the Bergmönch is a mountain bike that can be worn as a backpack for the uphill climb but then can be unfolded for a two-wheeled ride back down. READ MORE…
Academy teaches students how to build bikes, with each first creation sent to Africa
It wasn’t long ago that we were writing about Zambikes, a social enterprise helping Zambians learn how to create bikes. Now we’ve come across another startup with a focus on bicycles that’s also hoping to do some good in the developing world. The Bicycle Academy aims to teach bike building skills in the UK, with each apprentice’s first creation sent to Africa. READ MORE…
Electric bicycle trailer aids cyclists
Initiatives promoting electric bicycles feature regularly on the Springwise virtual pages, as do ideas to help the modern day cyclist transport their belongings easily. Now Colorado-based Ridekick have combined the two with an electric trailer that gives cyclists a boost from behind, with storage space for bags or shopping. READ MORE…
With so many gadgets and mobile devices in common use today, keeping them all charged has become an ongoing challenge. We’ve already seen numerous efforts to help consumers do just that in taxis and atfestivals, for example, but recently we came across a new approach targeting urban cyclists. Specifically, German bicycle maker Silverback has recently launched two bikes with built-in USB ports that can charge devices as the rider pedals. READ MORE…USB-equipped urban bikes can charge mobile devices
No-end in sight to the recent run of pop-up cinema innovations! Hard on the heels of our coverage of the smartphone-powered YouTube Theater in the US and the Films on Fridges project in the UK comes word of Magnificent Revolution’s Cycle-in Cinema — an effort to screen movies across the UK using just the power generated by bicycle-pedaling viewers. READ MORE…In the UK, pop-up cinema runs on pedal power
Regular Springwise readers may remember our coverage of two recent bike related innovations focusing on functionality and style: MAIK’s Bike Crate and the lock that can be worn around the waist. Now Californian start-up Revolights are focusing on cycle safety with their new bike lighting system. READ MORE…LED lighting system for bicycle wheels to revolutionize safety
Wise Words with Dustin McBride
Dustin McBride is the co-founder of A.ker.fa, an organization seeking to “change lives by supporting bicycle enterprises with appropriate technologies, consultancy and capital until sustainability is achieved.” Having graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in International Business, Dustin co-founded the company with Vaughn Spethmann following a trip to Zambia in 2004.
Zambikes is A.ker.fa’s first project. Seeking to fulfill the company’s objectives of bringing about social change through bicycles, a warehouse facility was set up Kapampa in 2008. This facility produces the Zambikes bamboo bicylces, Zambulances (bicycle ambulance trailers) and Zamcarts (cargo trailers), with extra space on the land being put to use to accommodate a Caretaker’s home and Community Center. As well as offering employment and training for over 40 Zambians, the Zambikes facility has built and shipped over 9,000 steel bicycles, 250 bamboo bicycles and 900 trailers. READ MORE…
It can be difficult enough to get comfortable while roughing it in a tent without having to worry about the safety of your motorcycle as well. A new tent design from Denver-based Redverz Gear has that problem taken care of, however, by providing an enclosed space in the tent to keep motorcycles safe and secure. READ MORE…Two-person tent is built for camping with a motorcycle
