Here's another question for you...

Queen_Christine

Please humor me for a moment. I am just a middle-aged working class woman with ideas that make my husband and his brothers laugh and role their eyes at me.

I think it’s time to re-invent the bicycle. It needs to compete with the automobile. It needs to be fast (up to 40 mph with ease), have a more stable wheel base, all enclosed to protect the driver from weather while supplying heating and cooling, yet remain lightweight and stop quickly. All of this to accommodate 1 person on his/her daily commute, year round, and in all or most types of weather.

The reason I classify this re-invention under bicycle instead of car or motorcycle is that it needs to be propelled by human energy. Perhaps human energy with the assistance of some think outside-the-box concept using already existing technology (as with the Dyson air multiplier) we could accomplish speeds competitive with gas powered engines. Perhaps that same human energy could also make the heating / cooling element work. I don’t know. Maybe I’m crazy. But I know when I pump a toy top it spins very fast on little energy and stops the second I touch it. That same toy also creates a breeze and friction.

Anyway, millions of people in other countries all over the world still ride bicycles everywhere. Why? Convenience? Lack of money? Lack of fuel? Maybe they don’t have far to go? I have 14 miles to go everyday. One way. If Americans could turn their daily commute into an exercise routine the benefits would be life changing for anyone who could have that option, not to mention the long term benefit it would have for the financial crisis of the healthcare system in this country! But with current bicycle technology it is not practical for typical commutes, therefore, in America they are thought of as a vehicle for leisurely pleasures or seasonal exercise.

If we can put a man on the moon; if we can make a big chunk of metal defy gravity with hundreds of people on board, then why can't we re-invent the bicycle to compete with the automobile? Running on human energy, multiplied just enough to achieve the speed and maintain the comforts of a car? I can picture it. Can you?

If it ever comes to pass, remember, you heard it here first!

i_love_vinegar

I think it’s time to re-invent the bicycle. It needs to compete with the automobile. It needs to be fast (up to 40 mph with ease), have a more stable wheel base, all enclosed to protect the driver from weather while supplying heating and cooling, yet remain lightweight and stop quickly. All of this to accommodate 1 person on his/her daily commute, year round, and in all or most types of weather.

Wouldn't that be a motorcycle...or a mini car (sorry I realized I forgot the name)? ^^

billsica

Have you looked at e-bikes?

Queen_Christine

I_love_vinegar: No, motorcycles and mini cars are engine operated, they do not move by human energy. You won't burn calories using them.

Bill: I just checked out e-bikes. They are not contained to protect you from the weather, therefore are for seasonal use.

cmriverside

google "enclosed bicycle" there are some interesting ideas to get you started.

Lift_hard_eat_big

Get yourself a patent

sarah44254

I would like to suggest a small area (like a basket on a 'regular' bike) to carry grocery or backpack

meggers123

It exists! Go-one velomobile.

http://greenash.net.au/thoughts/2005/04/in-search-of-an-all-weather-bike/

I personally think the solar moped sounds awesome:

http://www.greenmuze.com/climate/travel/2869-solar-shell-moped-design-.html

Johnnyswife

Don't put your ideas out here for people to take. lol:flowerforyou:

jacksonpt

IMO, bikes are fine as is (ok, so Im probably a little biased, but...). What we need to reinvent is the American culture. We are too lazy, entitled, judgemental, impatient, etc to ever ride anywhere with any consistency.

LTGPSA

I like it, Christine. :flowerforyou: