1. GREEN [...]]]> The attraction of cycling as a green, healthy, and cost-saving form of transport is huge for consumers, especially so at a time when the environment and world financial woes dominate the zeitgeist. Businesses doing something a little different for cyclists are a strong bet for success. Here’s five we recently spotted:

1. GREEN GOOSE — As part of their package of web services allowing users to track healthy lifestyle achievements, Green Goose’s bike-mounted sensors record cycling activity and upload the data over wifi. The company also provides services to help employers encourage cycling to work.

2. E-WERK — The energy generated pushing those pedals has long been tapped to power lights using a dynamo. But why stop there? German manufacturer Busch & Müller sells a dynamo-powered power supply allowing users to charge phones, MP3 players and other mobile devices. E-Werk comes with a selection of connectors including USB.

3. VELOCOMPUTER — Some cyclists may prefer not to fit an assortment of paraphernalia to their bikes, be it for security, aerodynamic or purely aesthetic reasons. VeloComputer is a mobile phone-based alternative to traditional bike computers and uses the accelerometer built in to many modern smartphones.

4. THE HUMBLE VINTAGE — If a cyclist is away from home and hasn’t got their bike with them, they may want to rent something with a bit of personality that doesn’t clearly signpost them as a tourist. Melbourne-based The Humble Vintage refurbishes classic and vintage cycles as a rental alternative to the ubiquitous MTB.

5. BICYKLO — Aiming to make it easier to find the perfect cycle tour, Bicyklo aggregates thousands of tour offers from hundreds of operators worldwide into a single database, allowing cyclists to search by area, duration and type rather than have to seek out individual operators and investigate what they have on offer.

Spotters: Doug Jost, Robin Benjamins

California-based Worldbike’s bicycles are [...]]]> We’ve written about a few different efforts to help disadvantaged people in Africa by providing refurbished second-hand bikes from the developed world. Unlike such initiatives from Baisikeli and Bikes for Africa, however, Worldbike designs and distributes brand-new bicycles that are inexpensive and built specifically to withstand harsh rural conditions.

California-based Worldbike’s bicycles are designed to handle large loads, rough terrain and inclement weather. They’re configured to be not only affordable, but also maintained and repaired locally. Through partnerships with international and local agencies, private companies, foundations and NGOs, Worldbike even helps arrange microcredit financing for bike purchases and supplement sales with support from funders and private donors. Its bikes have already been brought to Cuba, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal and Thailand, among other areas. However, as the company also notes, “the same cargo bike we deliver to rural Africa also turns heads on the streets of Seattle.” An official US version of the bike is now being configured, and proceeds from all purchases will help support bike distribution efforts in Kenya.

A shining example of what our sister site calls the functionall trend, Worldbike has already attracted funding and partnerships with companies and foundations around the world—time to add your brand to that list? Alternatively, how about brainstorming some functionall offerings of your own…? (Related: Single-use toilet bag turns human waste into fertilizer — Water bottle’s plunger-style filter purifies instantly.)

Website: www.worldbike.org
Contact: info@worldbike.org

Spotted by: trendwatching.com’s monthly trend briefing

The world of iPhone apps is increasingly crowded. And while there are several that help users to find convenient meeting points, MeetMe is the first one to integrate both Google Maps and Yelp reviews.

In order to find an appropriate meeting location, users input Point A and Point B, and the type of venue they’d [...]]]> Source : http://www.springwise.com/transportation/meetme/

The world of iPhone apps is increasingly crowded. And while there are several that help users to find convenient meeting points, MeetMe is the first one to integrate both Google Maps and Yelp reviews.

In order to find an appropriate meeting location, users input Point A and Point B, and the type of venue they’d like to meet at. For instance, users can pinpoint the best sushi restaurant halfway between Boston and Philadelphia, or a romantic hotel between York and Manchester. The USD 1.99 app then provides a list of suitable locations complete with Yelp recommendations. Once a location is selected, MeetMe emails both parties a map complete with driving directions. If users prefer to meet closer to one point or the other, the distances can be adjusted. MeetMe points out that the app can also help plan road trip stopping points. MeetMe works worldwide and, according to reviews, has fewer accuracy problems than most mapping apps. It’s also ad-free, so users can be sure the recommendations they’re receiving aren’t promos in disguise.

In theory, the app could help cut down on miles traveled because both parties will be encouraged to drive the shortest possible distance, instead of relying on meeting points that are familiar to both, but might not be most efficient. Mobile applications like MeetMe aren’t just convenient tools for consumers—if widely adopted, smart navigation can reduce miles travelled and hours spent on the road. It can also help prevent congestion by feeding commuters real-time and predictive road data about potential traffic jams. As our everyday tools become ever more sophisticated at navigating cities, opportunities abound for entrepreneurs than can help us unlock location-based data in useful and intuitive ways.

Website: www.aboutmeetme.com

Innovative startups managed to scoop up some hefty cash prizes in Amsterdam on Friday. In addition to RidgeBlade winning EUR 500,000 in the Green Challenge, augmented reality browser Layar bagged EUR 75,000 in Vodafone’s Mobile Clicks contest.

Layar is a free mobile browser that displays digital information over the real world image that a user [...]]]> Source : http://www.springwise.com/telecom_mobile/layar/

Innovative startups managed to scoop up some hefty cash prizes in Amsterdam on Friday. In addition to RidgeBlade winning EUR 500,000 in the Green Challenge, augmented reality browser Layar bagged EUR 75,000 in Vodafone’s Mobile Clicks contest.

Layar is a free mobile browser that displays digital information over the real world image that a user views through his or her mobile phone. By turning on Layar and pointing her phone’s camera at a row of houses, for example, a user can see prices and details for houses that are on sale, can easily find nearby Thai restaurants or—in case of a cardiac emergency—locate the closest defibrillator. Besides layering practical information, the Dutch application is also being used to create games that mix real and imagined worlds.

Developed by the same team that created ING’s ATM finder, Layar presents endless opportunities for entrepreneurs aiming to reach, help, entertain and delight consumers wherever they are. One to check out, if you haven’t already! Layar is currently available for phones that run Android, with a version for iPhone 3GS to follow soon. (Related: iPhone app uses augmented reality to help road warriors find a place to work.)

Website: www.layar.com

The magazine NewScientist makes a compelling case for the four-day workweek in the current issue.

The article points out that companies and government organizations that have explored the idea found savings and benefits for companies and employees alike.

The [...]]]> Source : http://itworld.com/mobile-amp-wireless/77984/best-idea-ever-three-day-workweek

Closing the office saves money and boosts morale. The time is now.

The magazine NewScientist makes a compelling case for the four-day workweek in the current issue.

The article points out that companies and government organizations that have explored the idea found savings and benefits for companies and employees alike.

The State of Utah, for example, found energy consumption dropped 13 percent, and that 70 percent of employees were happier. And healthier. Requests for “sick days” dropped significantly.

NewScientist suggests that there are two ways to achieve four-day workweeks. The first is to add two hours to each workday, so everybody works the same number of hours per week, but crammed into four days instead of five.

The second approach is to cut actual hours, and cut pay as well. This approach is seen as a better alternative to layoffs, both for the companies facing budget crunches, and for the employees who would otherwise lose all their pay and benefits.

According to NewScientists, a majority of employees would prefer one of these schemes to the conventional five-day-workweek.

However, I have a proposal that I think is better than both these approaches. Why not embrace a three-day workweek, and have the other two workdays be work-at-home days?

That means the office is open — and everybody’s got to show up for work — on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. But on Thursday and Friday, employees all telecommute.

In-office client meetings, internal meetings, face-to-face collaboration can all take place in the office during office hours, then work that doesn’t require office equipment or meetings can take place remotely.

The benefits to the company include lower energy costs, fewer sick days, and a more energized staff.

And, of course, employees benefit by getting back that commute time — 40 hours per year saved, on average. Employees also have to spend less money on gas, dry cleaning, day care and a host of other items associated with showing up to an office every day.

The only major objection to this for most companies is that employees need to be “supervised” or they’ll goof around and not get any work done. But this isn’t a legitimate concern in most cases.

First, it’s trivially easy to goof off right in front of the boss. Slacker employees might be sitting at their computers, but how do you know they’re not playing online poker or checking their Facebook profiles?

Second, people work at home unsupervised all the time. Taking work home is nearly universal now. Anytime staff work on reports, or answer business e-mail at home, guess what? They’re working from home, unsupervised.

In other words, personal stuff happens at work, and work stuff happens at home. Trapping employees in an office guarantees nothing, and allowing people to work at home isn’t as risky as it sounds.

It’s time to embrace the three-day workweek. It saves money, boosts productivity, and improves everybody’s quality of life.

Paris actually already has a car-sharing scheme in place with some 5,000 members, but it’s privately run and uses [...]]]> Regular Springwise readers may remember Vélib‘, the citywide bike-sharing scheme in Paris that we covered back in 2007. Buoyed by the success of that effort, the city is now apparently planning another ambitious initiative—this time involving electric cars.

Paris actually already has a car-sharing scheme in place with some 5,000 members, but it’s privately run and uses traditional cars. Autolib’, on the other hand—from automobile + liberté—is a large-scale, city-backed effort that will provide only clean, electric vehicles. Planned for launch late next year or in early 2011, Autolib’ will place some 4,000 electric cars at 1,400 self-service rental and recharging stations in and around Paris for short-term, temporary use. The USD 14 million initiative will likely be operated as a public-private partnership, according to a BusinessWeek report, with oversight by an intergovernmental council. Drivers will not need to make reservations to use a car through Autolib’. Rather, two- and four-seat cars will be available for rent at stands by simply swiping a card in a reader; users will then be able to return the cars at any stand that’s convenient. Prices haven’t yet been decided, but they’ll likely be in the vicinity of USD 6 to USD 9 per half-hour, with monthly subscription fees of USD 22 to USD 29, BW reported.

French environmentalists are apparently protesting Autolib’s potential to encourage driving and worsen urban congestion. Advocates, on the other hand, say it could reduce carbon emissions by 22,000 tons a year while improving congestion, since fewer Parisians will feel the need to own a car. Either way, there’s no doubt the city-backed approach will give the effort a prominence that would be difficult to achieve otherwise, and its similarity to Vélib‘ could make gaining acceptance considerably easier. One to watch! (Related: Parking operator launches car-sharing service — Hertz launches global car-sharing service.)

Website: www.paris.fr
Contact: service.presse@paris.fr

Source : http://www.springwise.com/automotive/autolib/

In the Netherlands, for example, we’ve spotted companies like Fix Fiets and Bikemobiel, both of which do house calls in vans or trucks outfitted as mobile [...]]]> With cycling gaining ground as a regular mode of transportation, flat tires and broken chains are on the up, too. Which creates an opportunity for bike-loving entrepreneurs: mobile bike repair shops.

In the Netherlands, for example, we’ve spotted companies like Fix Fiets and Bikemobiel, both of which do house calls in vans or trucks outfitted as mobile workshops. Service is even more mobile (and emission-free) in Cologne and Berlin, where stranded cyclists can call a ‘Radambulanz’—a cycling mechanic with a small trailer containing tools and spare parts for fixing flat tires and performing other common repairs.

While some mobile repair services tack on a small trip charge for coming to a customer’s home or workplace, rates are generally comparable to those charged by brick and mortar bike shops. And although they’ve been popping up in Europe over the past few years, mobile services are far from commonplace. Time to launch a well-branded Geek Squad of bike fixers? (Related: Vending machines for bicycle parts — In the US, the AAA will be offering roadside assistance for cyclists in Oregon and Idaho.)

Website: www.fixfiets.nl — www.bikemobiel.nl — www.fahrradambulanz.com — www.radambulanz.de

Spotted by: Martina Meng — Raymond Kollau — Judy McRae

Source : http://springwise.com/weekly/2009-07-29.htm#mobilebikerepair

“Alles op de Velo” war cool. Mer haaten Chance mam Wieder, just en klenge Schlued.

“Braanebuerger Maart”. Och do sinn d’Leit rischt komm, wie d’Wieder besser war an et war wuel e schéine succès.

“Mam Velo op d’Schaff” de Moien haat ech immens Chance well ech sinn dröchen ukomm an wie ech aus dem [...]]]> and had a great Week-End.

“Alles op de Velo” war cool. Mer haaten Chance mam Wieder, just en klenge Schlued.

“Braanebuerger Maart”. Och do sinn d’Leit rischt komm, wie d’Wieder besser war an et war wuel e schéine succès.

“Mam Velo op d’Schaff” de Moien haat ech immens Chance well ech sinn dröchen ukomm an wie ech aus dem vestiaire koum huet et dobaussen gereent.

Links:

http://www.lvi.lu/kalender/090719_bikedays.htm

http://www.wort.lu/wort/web/letzebuerg/artikel/33689/viele-besucher-kamen-auf-den-geschmack.php

http://www.mobiliteit.lu/mam-velo-op-d-schaff/index.php

Nodeem döse Sonnden den Triathlon zu Eechternoach um Séi statt fonnt huet, hun ech lo en Triathlon op 2 Deeg verdeelt gemaach.

Möinden Moien mam Velo op d’Schaff, an der Möttesstonn laafen. Obschons et zimlech naass war de Moien, war et awer ganz agreabel duerch d’Böscher ze fueren.

Dönsden Mötten Schwammen, den Owend mam Velo [...]]]> 13. Juli 2009 :

Nodeem döse Sonnden den Triathlon zu Eechternoach um Séi statt fonnt huet, hun ech lo en Triathlon op 2 Deeg verdeelt gemaach.

Möinden Moien mam Velo op d’Schaff, an der Möttesstonn laafen. Obschons et zimlech naass war de Moien, war et awer ganz agreabel duerch d’Böscher ze fueren.

Dönsden Mötten Schwammen, den Owend mam Velo heem.

Gonderange – Luxembourg : +/- 20 km

Links :

http://www.mobiliteit.lu/mam-velo-op-d-schaff/index.php

Wéi vill Anerer bedeelegt sech den Denis Scuto, an dësen Tour de France-Zäiten, un der Aktioun „Mam Vëlo op d’Schaff”, déi den Transportministère dëst Joer nees an Zesummenaarbecht mat Partner wéi der CFL, dem Verkéiersverbond an der Lëtzebuerger Velosinitiativ organiséiert. Seng Erfahrungen hunn en zu dëser Carte blanche inspiréiert.

Permanent ginn d’Automobilisten jo laanscht d’Autobunne [...]]]> Source : http://news.rtl.lu/commentaire/carteblanche/29815.html

Wéi vill Anerer bedeelegt sech den Denis Scuto, an dësen Tour de France-Zäiten, un der Aktioun „Mam Vëlo op d’Schaff”, déi den Transportministère dëst Joer nees an Zesummenaarbecht mat Partner wéi der CFL, dem Verkéiersverbond an der Lëtzebuerger Velosinitiativ organiséiert. Seng Erfahrungen hunn en zu dëser Carte blanche inspiréiert.

Permanent ginn d’Automobilisten jo laanscht d’Autobunne mat Affiche begléckt, déi hinne soe wéi se sech sollen oder net solle verhalen. Si sinn mol witzeg, mol grave, mol banal. Gutt gemengt meeschtens. Eng Affiche vum Emwelt- a vum Transportministär kréie mer suguer ëmmer nees zervéiert. Eis schéin Äerd ass ze gesinn mat enger Minuterie drop. D’Regierung léisst eis folgendes matdeelen: „Klimaschutz: Et läit an denger Hand. Géi ze Fouss. Huel de Vëlo. Huel de Bus. Änner deng Gewunnechten.”

Vun Ufank un geet dëst Plakat mer zimmlech op de Wecker. Firwat, wëll ech un engem Beispill kloer maachen. Zënter dem 18. Mee bedeelegen ech mech mat e puer Kollegen a Kolleginnen vun der Uni un der Aktioun „Mam Vëlo op d’Schaff”. Dat heescht op d’mannst 15 Mol tëschent dem 18. Mee an dem 24. Juli fueren ech mam Vëlo vu Lampech op Walfer an zeréck. 26 km dohin a 26 km zeréck iwer d’Stad. En Deel kann een och mam ëffentlechen Transport maachen, an anere Wierder mam Zuch, well mam Vëlo an de Bus klammen ass oft problematesch.

Ech hu versicht e Wee ze fannen mat esouvill wéi méiglech Velosweeër. Mee ech muss awer, oft am Berufsverkéier, verschidde Stroosse benotzen, déi Automobilisten als Schläichweeër benotzen: vu Lampech op Ehleng, vum Schléiwenhaff zu Leideleng bis bei d’Hollerecher Kiirch, iirt ech bei der Dexia-Bil an d’Péitrus ka fueren, vu Beggen iwer d’Kromm Längten op Walfer. Ech si generft an d’Autofuerer wuel och. Den éischten Dag hunn ech en Zebrasträife benotzt fir een onméiglechen Traficpunkt ze ëmgoen. Mam Resultat dass e Moto d’Camionette, déi mer d’Vue verspoart huet, iwwerholl huet a mäi viischt Rad gesträift a (glécklecherweis juste) mäi Guidon verbéit huet. „Ça va?” sot en an ass weidergefuer.

Den Zuch huelen mam Velo klappt do scho besser. D’CFL-Schaffner si ganz hëllefsbereet, wëssen awer selwer, dass d’Wagonen net equipéiert sinn fir méi wéi e Grapp voll Cyclisten mat Vëlo opzehuelen, resp. verschidde Waggoen nach guer net equipéiert sinn. Esou munch Trap hunn ech scho missen am Zuch mat mengem Drotiesel blockéieren.

D’Plakat iwer de Klimaschutz geet mer op de Wecker, well e wichtegen Hiweis feelt. Do misst stoen: Géi ze Fouss. Huel de Vëlo. Huel de Bus. An dann: Mär Regierungsmemberen, Gemengen- a Schäfferéit, mär Décideuren a privaten a staatleche Betriiber änneren och eis Gewunnechten a mär huele Mesuren, dass Cyclisten a gudde Konditiounen a virun allem a Sécherheet kënnen op hir Oarbechtsplaz fueren. Mär setzen elo endlech ëm wat mer schonn 10 Joer verspriechen: Mär bannen déi lokal Réseaue vu Vëlospisten un déi National un. Mär schafen an all Gemeng (net nëmmen zu Esch an an der Stad) en zesummenhängenden Réseau vu Vëlospisten. Mär ernennen e Koordinateur um nationale Plang, deen dofir suergt dass déi verschidden Acteuren Transportministère, Travaux publics, Ponts et chaussées, Tourisme, Santé, Education nationale Infrastrukture schafen oder veränneren, fir dass dem Vëlo eng Plaz gi gëtt an net nëmmen e puer Strécher um Macadam.

En attendant, dass mer déi Mesuren am nächste Koalitiounsprogramm erëmfannen, wënsche mer all politesche Responsablen am Land eng schéi Vokanz. Maacht et do wéi mär: Gitt ze Fouss. Huelt de Velo. Ännert är Gewunnechten.

About the size of a parking space for one car, the Green Pod [...]]]> Numerous bicycle stations have appeared on our pages before, including Cycle Center in Chicago, Bikestation in California, Bike Central in New Zealand and Cycle2City in Australia. Adding to Australia’s bike station innovation comes the Green Pod, a modular facility from Brisbane’s Penny Farthings Pushbikes.

About the size of a parking space for one car, the Green Pod comes in two configurations: one with a single shower and changing room along with 10 lockers and parking for as many bicycles, and the other with double those facilities. The pod features a solar hot water system, electronic locking system, LED lighting activated by motion sensors, timed showers and a grey water treatment unit that discharges grey water into green areas. The unit can be integrated into indoor or outdoor applications, and it operates on a 12V DC system that can be powered by solar panels on the roof. Also part of the pod is a self-cleaning mechanism that can detect when no one’s inside and lock its doors for some self-cleaning, according to a report in Catapult. Access is via swipe card for registered users.

The first Green Pod is now being used at Queensland University of Technology’s Kelvin Grove campus, and Penny Farthing is also talking with Queensland Rail about tailoring a pod for bicyclist commuters, Catapult reported. Indeed, the modularity of the Green Pod’s design and its diminutive stature give it the potential to be more flexible and easily accommodated than many built-in solutions. One to partner with early and bring to the bicycling masses near you…? (Related: Self-serve parking bay for bikes.)

Website: www.pushbikeparking.com/green-pod
Contact: info@pushbikeparking.com

Source : http://springwise.com/transportation/greenpod/

The most recent example we’ve spotted just opened in New [...]]]> Gas prices, urban congestion and environmental concerns have brought about a veritable renaissance in bicycle riding, as we’ve noted before, spawning initiatives like citywide bike-rental schemes and bank-sponsored bike-sharing programs, among others. A trend we haven’t yet highlighted, however, is the growing number of urban bike stations.

The most recent example we’ve spotted just opened in New Zealand. Located in the Britomart in Auckland (a public transport hub), BikeCentral offers bicycling enthusiasts and commuters a welcoming place to park their bikes and transition into the next part of their day. In addition to safe, secure bicycle parking, BikeCentral members have access to private lockers, showers and changing areas. Coffee, fresh food and free wireless internet are also available, as are rental bicycles and an on-site repair service for minor repairs. All-inclusive rates start at NZD 25 per week.

Chicago’s McDonald’s Cycle Center at Millennium Park, which launched in 2004, is a 16,448-square-foot heated facility that includes free indoor parking for 300 bikes, showers and lockers, bicycle rental and repair, and a café. A monthly membership pass costs USD 20. Finally, on the West Coast, Bikestation is a not-for-profit organization that offers secure bicycle parking and more. Stations in five California cities plus Seattle offer a variety of services including bicycle rentals and repair, showers and lockers as well as 24-hour secure bike parking. Monthly fees are USD 12.

The way things are going, demand for centers like these will only increase. And how a combination of bike stations and shared working spaces? Help consumers reduce their carbon footprints, help the planet, and help yourself to some well-deserved profits!

Website: www.bikecentral.co.nz — www.chicagobikestation.com — www.bikestation.org
Contact: info@bikecentral.co.nz — info@chicagobikestation.com — info@bikestation.org

Spotted by: Roanne Parker

Source : http://springwise.com/transportation/urban_bike_stations/

Customers can pick up [...]]]> This weekend, Paris placed over 10,000 bikes in just 36 hours, launching an ambitious bike sharing system that is meant to ‘lead a revolution in the way Parisians move around the city’. Dubbed Vélib’ (from velo + liberté), the program aims to help reduce pollution and keep the people of Paris physically fit.

Customers can pick up a bicycle from one of 750 self-service points. If no bikes are available, renters are directed towards a well-stocked point nearby. After identifying themselves and providing credit or debit card details, users can take out a bike. A day pass costs EUR 1, allowing users as many rides as they like, provided each trip is less than 30 minutes. An additional half hour is EUR 1, with prices climbing for additional time used; the pricing model is aimed at encouraging quick turnover. Bikes can be returned at any service point. Once all 1,451 are in place (end of 2007), the nearest service point will never be far off — one every 300 metres, which means they’ll be 4.4 times as densely distributed as metro stations. The number of bicycles will also be doubled, bringing the total to 20,600.

The sturdy grey bikes come with a metal basket on the handlebars and are heavier than standard bicycles, built to withstand heavy use. In line with the program’s green image, Vélib‘ maintenance staff get around town on 130 electrically assisted bicycles. A barge with 12 stops along the Seine will pick up bikes in need of major repairs. Cleaning staff drive electric vehicles and use rain collected on the roofs of JCDecaux offices. Like a similar scheme in Lyon, where 10 percent of the city’s population has a subscription to the local sharing scheme, Vélib‘ is operated by outdoor advertising giant JCDecaux, which is footing the bill in exchange for exclusive rights to 1,628 Paris billboards.

For short journeys, shared bicycles are faster, cheaper and easier than public transport. With fuel prices still on the rise and increased concern about the environmental costs of driving, planners from other cities should head over to Paris to test Vélib‘ in preparation for launching their own bicycle sharing program. And if you’re in outdoor advertising, take a cue from JCDecaux’s model! (For more examples, see our previous coverage of urban bicycle schemes.)

Website: velib.paris.fr
Images: Vélib’ on Flickr

Spotted by L.C.

Source : http://www.springwise.com/transportation/city_bike_schemes_update_from/

Additional Links :

Veloh’ mon style de ville à Luxembourg : http://www.veloh.lu/

Vël’OK, Äre Velo, Eise Velo : http://www.velok.lu/home.html