09 May 2008

Get on Your Bike

A UTS graduate makes the bike riding option that little bit more appealing

We have all had the thought: 'maybe I'll start riding a pushbike to do my bit for the planet?'

Although intentions are good, most of us resort right back to the car when confronted with the pain of - amongst other inconveniences - securing the bike upon reaching a destination.

Frag Woodall, graduate of The University of Technology, Sydney has been awarded 3rd place in the 12th International Bicycle Design Competition (IBDC), recently held in Taiwan, with his solution to such a problem.

Everglide, Woodall’s major project for UTS’s Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design, makes bikes so mobile, they can be backpacked right to ones desk at work.

Wheeled as luggage, backpacked or cycled, Woodall’s design was given high recognition in the competition because it provides a seamless and convenient transition in transport that does not include the usual suspect, the car.

“What people need to encourage them to spend the least amount of time out of the car is the most convenient option besides it,” says Woodall.

“I realised that people are choosing to drive to work because it’s hard to park at the station, or pick up groceries on the way home. With a bike that can either be ridden or carried with you, you’re never going to be stranded somewhere waiting for the next train.”

IBDC is the world’s leading design competition for innovative bicycle designs in the bike industry.

Visit www.design.runride.com for more information.