News Archives - April 2014

More Donky than bike

Donky Bike is an innovative British-designed utility vehicle: An affordable and versatile load-carrying bicycle. Many of the bikes used on city streets appear unsuitable for urban use. cheap mountain bikes grab sales by boasting many gears and suspended forks, but rarely offer luggage racks or mudguards. Inspired by load-carrying designs from the Netherlands and the strength and simplicity of BMX…

Minibrake – a remote-controlled brake for kids’ bicycles

Minibike is a remote-controlled brake that allows parents to bring their children’s bicycles to a halt from a distance. The MiniBrake consists of two parts: a remote controller and a small brake attached to the rear wheel of the child’s bike. When the parent presses the controller, the bicycle comes to a safe and smooth stop. Minibrake automatically stops the bicycle…

Glamping in yurts, treehouses and classic caravans

Holidaying in Europe is less financially and environmentally costly than a long-haul holiday. Discovering the pleasures of local produce, simple regional cuisine and a slower pace of life is also an excuse to stay in an increasing range of alternative overnight stops – from converted lorries to tree houses. Sawday’s is a family-run travel business that specialises in environmentally-friendly holidays. It’s Canopy…

Land Rover develops ‘invisible’ car bonnet

A new gizmo developed by Land Rover that allows drivers of its vehicles’ to see through the bonnet to the ground directly beneath and in front of the bumper could help make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Cameras film an area of ground beneath and directly in front of the car that it is impossible for the driver to…

Hiplok: stylish and stress-free cycle locks

Hiplok is the creation of two British industrial designers and keen cyclists frustrated at having to carry their bike locks in a cumbersome bag or unsightly frame-mounted bracket. John Abrahams and Ben Smith took inspiration from bicycle couriers, who have long worn chains and cable locks around their waists or slung across their shoulders. The result of their research and…