The importance of the $20 Bike
Commuter Connection PA doesn’t normally plug specific companies, but we really think this idea is cool and potentially revolutionary! Izhar Gafni designed a cardboard bicycle and is hopping to bring it to market across the world. So what’s the big deal? How about a $20-30 bicycle that weighs 20lb and made from a recycled material? Oh and it’s waterproof.
We’re on a journey towards a brighter future. from Cardboard Technologies on Vimeo.
Gafni’s design makes use of cardboard’s low cost and excelent strength to weight ratio to produce an afforable, light weight bicycle. Folding the cardboard like oragami increases its strength, while painting and a proprietary waterproofing technique increases its durability. Everything from frame to seat to wheels is made from the stuff. Remaining components, like brakes and drive-train are predominantly rubber/plastic (avoiding metal’s expense and propensity to rust), and tires are made from recycled car tires (avoiding tubes and puncture issues). Together, these components make for durable, reliable transportation for less than the cost of filling a gas tank.
This bicycle could honestly revolutionize transit accessibility across the world, opening up job markets previously inaccessible because of distance or transit cost in developing economies. Many employment centers in developing economies are concentrated in special tax-free districts, or around aging, centralized industrial infrastructure – requiring long commutes to low paying jobs from informal settlements on the urban fringe. These countries also suffer from under developed transit infrastructure, limited government financing for roads and/or public transit, exploding populations and limited job opportunities – making job accessibility difficult or expensive for much of the population. Private cars are rare and expensive, and traditional bicycles are difficult and expensive to maintain.
These cardboard bicycles could significantly improve transportation options, providing a reliable, affordable alternative to walking or using private bus companies. The low cost will make them more accessible than traditional bicycles (which can cost half a year’s income) and off-sets any issues with durability (hey, a new tube for a traditional bike costs $8 alone). Furthermore, prototype testing has shown that the mechanicals and frame hold up under weather and duress pretty well – lasting at least 2 years, potentially longer.
Right now the company set up to produce the bike is running a Indiegogo campaign to provide the start up capital. If all goes according to plan, which it rarely does, the company will start production in January of 2014. What can you do to help? Support the Indiegogo campaign, Like their FB page and pass this message along to your friends.
You can also pre-buy the limited edition, first run bike for $135. “$135 for a $30 bike” you may ask? Think of it this way – for the cost of a new fixie or single speed bike, you’re getting a new light weight bicycle while helping to revolutionize transit in developing economies. Don’t have a spare $135? Donate what you can and use gifts at different levels to spread the word. Together we can improve transit accessibility and reduce environmental impact for a growing world population.
Note: This article has been updated to reflect changes in the Indiegogo campaign. The original price of the bicycle was$290, but has been dropped to $95 plus a $40 shipping and handling fee ($135 total).
