Design + Management

Like any other neo-treehugger out there, I have a bicycle. Well actually, not to brag or anything but, I own two bikes. Unfortunately, I do not ride them. I always think to myself how great it would be to ride to work one day or even to the store to pick up some fruit but I'm afraid I will fall off (again), or hurt myself in some other way (which I have before).

But there is hope! The solution for my fear of cycling might be cured by the winner of Design 21's Power to the Pedal competition:

(from the Design 21 competition page)
"This competition calls for a biking accessory or add-on for existing bikes that would improve the bicycling experience and encourage more people to make biking their primary means of transport – more convenient, more enjoyable, safer and more integrated into daily lifestyles – whether it's for commuting, working, shopping, transporting, leisure or all of the above."

This could be just the accessory that I've been waiting for. Anything that encourages people to reduce their ecological footprint, squeeze some physical activity into their lives, reduce traffic congestion, and become more involved with their local community is a sustainable step in the right direction.

Design 21 is actually a pretty interesting concept in itself. It is a network for designers, non profits/organizations and just fans of design that believe that good, innovative design has the power to evoke social change. The website also has a list of other social change design competitions being held at the moment.

hat tip: Inhabitat | Power to the Pedal competition | Design 21