New Yorkers getting into Dutch bikes

With bike trips in New York up 35% between 2007 and 2008, New Yorkers are trying to reconcile biking with style. It seems the Dutch bike is popular, and can be ridden with a suit without fear of grease stains on pant legs. However, with the price of a dutch bike up to $US 2000, how can one ensure that it won't be stolen in a New York minute?

Check out the full article in the New York Times.

Bike sales up 50% in UK

Bicycle sales are up 50% in the UK due to the recession, according to bicycle retailer Halfords. Over the same period, car purchases are down 30%, as people choose to bike to work instead of driving. The UK government provides a Bike to Work benefit scheme, which offers a tax reduction of up to 45% on a new bicycle. This increase in cycling reverses years of decline; between 1980 and 2007 bicycle trips have gone down 18%, compared with car trips which increased 78%.

Innovative eccentric bottom bracket makes single-speed conversion a breeze

Forward Components' eccentric bottom bracket allows conversion of any frame to a single speed frame without the need for horizontal dropouts or an unsightly chain tensioner. It doesn't neet an oversized bottom bracket to work - just install Forward Components' eccentric bottom bracket in a normal frame, and rotate the cups to tighten the chain the appropriate amount.

Sanyo's electric hybrid bicycle unveiled at show

Sanyo has developed an electric hybrid bicycle which helps the human-power out with an electric motor on the front wheel, allowing the bike to travel 1.8 times the distance of normal peddling alone. It permits the rider to triple the pedal power for short distances, and doubles the pedal power for uphill rides. When the bike goes downhill, energy is harnessed and stored in batteries, until it is used for powering the motor on more demanding uphill rides. The bike is scheduled to be available in Japan in February 2009 for around $US 1500.

Trek releases first production belt-driven bicycle

In a move for easier bicycle maintenance as well as the elimination of torn pant cuffs and grease spots, Trek has released a series of belt-driven bicycles. The bikes, urban commuters, come in at about $1000 and feature a carbon-reinforced belt in place of the chain, which doesn't stretch or require lubricant.

For further information click here.

Derringer motorized bicycle gets 150mpg

Derringer, based in California, has released a retro motor-assisted bicycle which claims 150 mpg, and a top speed of 35 mph. This bike is designed after a 1920s style motorcycle, but now with a modern, 49cc engine. Although it does not appear to be legal in Ontario without a motorcycle license, in most jurisdictions this bike is unregulated as a type of bicycle.

Bicycle-sharing booms in European cities

Almost all major cities in Europe currently have or are considering bicycle-sharing programs. Cities developing programs are looking to Velib in Paris as one model. The bikes can be picked up at one location and dropped off at another, and payments are deducted automatically from bank accounts. In addition to the advantage of bicycles beating traffic in most centres, new technology uses smart cards, adding to the riders' convenience.

In North America, the car culture, longer distances, and need for bike helmets have reduced the appeal of these programs, though we may see such programs popping up in some city centres, like Ottawa (see article below).