Imagine using the incredible design skills and technological developments of this generation for a purpose other than selling or making more "stuff." That is exactly what is on display at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum this summer. This bicycle, developed by Worldbike, provides transportation in third world countries for families and small businesses. From the Worldbike website (www.worldbike.org):
"Worldbike is an international network of bicycle designers and industry leaders, and international development professionals, working together to provide transportation solutions and create income-generating opportunities for the world’s poor. All across the developing world, people use bicycles the way we use pickup trucks and school busses. However, the bicycles sold in developing countries are those designed for recreation and are ill-suited to carrying loads. Worldbike designs higher-strength, longer-wheelbase bicycles with integrated cargo capacity. We conduct trial markets to determine the ideal price levels, work with the bike industry to get the best quality parts and frames at the lowest cost, and partner with international development organizations like Kickstart International to sell and distribute the bicycles."
No comments:
Post a Comment