News

Top 10 reasons for car breakdowns

September 5, 2014

Analysis of data from more one million breakdown cover policies by the ETA has revealed the most common reasons for having to make a claim on your breakdown cover. We take a look at the top ten symptoms of vehicle breakdown. Position Symptom Percentage 1 Dead on key 30.27% 2 Engine cut out, won't start 8.11% 3 Flat tyre - no spare 7.50% 4...

Breakdown

Turn your cycle helmet into a lock

September 5, 2014

The Cappucino is a tiny lock that promises to transform any cycle helmet into a means of securing a bicycle. [quote type="cycle_insurance"] The makers say the lock can be used in place of a conventional lock, but this is an audacious claim. In urban areas we think it would be far from robust enough and most insurers in Britain specify that...

General News

Taku-Tanku: A tiny caravan for bicycles

September 5, 2014

The TAKU-TANKU is an exciting take on the idea of a bicycle caravan. The tiny travelling house is an eco-friendly design built with off-the-shelf and upcycled materials. The superstructure comprises two 3,000-litre plastic water tanks connected by a ring of wood that frames the entrance. The TAKU-TANKU home joins an ever-growing group of...

Cycling

Jolt: The cycle helmet accessory that signals concussion

September 5, 2014

The Jolt is a new high-tech helmet accessory that promises to let its wearer know whether a blow to their head is likely to lead to a concussion. Cycle helmets vary in size, shape and colour, but almost without exception they comprise a layer of polystyrene covered by a thin plastic shell. This lightweight construction is one of the reasons...

Cycling

Unstealable bicycle uses its frame as a lock

August 29, 2014

It’s quite a claim to describe anything as ‘unstealable’, but three Chilean students have done just that with their 'Unstealable Bike' – and have two million YouTube views of their prototype design as a result. The bicycle has a frame that can be used as a lock by wrapping it around a lamp post. The seat post is removed and used to extend...

Cycling

Noke: World's first shareable bluetooth bicycle lock

August 29, 2014

Noke is the world’s first shareable bluetooth padlock, a development in bicycle security that promises an end to lost keys and may herald a new generation of secure public access bicycle parking. [quote type="cycle_insurance"] The folks at FŪZ Designs were frustrated by how easy keys are to lose and the problems associated with sharing...

Cycling

ProGo propane-powered scooter

August 6, 2014

The ProGo propane-powered scooter for commuters promises to be cleaner than those that rely on petrol or electric motors. It’s the last mile of a journey that’s the toughest. You’ve done your bit for the environment by leaving your car at home, but the train station or bus stop is still twenty minutes from home. It’s enough to put most...

General News

Denny: The ultimate urban utility bicycle

August 6, 2014

A new concept design hailed as the ultimate urban utility bicycle is to be manufactured and sold by Fuji Bikes. The Denny won a public vote on the strength of its ingenious handlebar lock design, clever mudguard system, automatic gear shifting and stylish cargo shelf. http://vimeo.com/101883999 [quote type="cycle_insurance"] The competition...

General News

Top solar-powered gadgets for summer

July 31, 2014

Solar power isn't just a great hope for world governments hoping to cut carbon emissions; the technology also promises convenience and savings to the individual. Whilst solar powered calculators have been with us since the 1970s, the sun will be able to charge many more of our personal gadgets in future as solar PV cell technology becomes...

General News

Airlines to swap seats for bicycle saddles

July 29, 2014

In a bid to cram as many people as possible on board their planes, airlines may soon remove seats and place passengers on rows of bicycle saddles. As described in a recent patent application by Airbus, passengers would sit on fold-down saddles, four of which would fit in the space occupied by three conventional economy class seats.

Air Travel