Greener gadgets preview: Ubicycle public bicycle program

One of the popular design ideas isn't a gadget at all, but a concept for a shared bicycle network with lots of green details. The Ubicycle Public Bicycle Program aims to solve the problems that have held other public bike programs in the past.

The program consists of solar-powered bike stations, smart-card readers the bikes themselves. The stations would be located conveniently in residential neighborhoods, near schools and downtown workplaces as well as near mass transit stops. The smart-cards in the program would work for unlocking the bikes and charging the user based on the length of time the bike was used. The same card could ideally be used to access buses and trains to create a full network of car-free options.

The bikes would be uniformly-colored a bright green to deter theft and include a built-in locking device. Solar power runs the stations so that they remain secure without being manned.

Bike programs have had varying degrees of success in the cities that have launched them, with theft and vandalism being major issues along with just plain lack of use. If this design could advance security measures and offer more convenient locations, especially linking to other mass transit, this program could really be effective.

via Greener Gadgets