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Not only will Governors Island be getting a makeover, it will also get the city's first bike sharing program. amNew York reported that Dutch firm West 8, hired to handle the Governors Island makeover, "will also build 3,000 wooden bicycles for free use by visitors to the island."
The island is expected by be renovated by 2012, and the hope is that the bike sharing test will inspire the city to expand the program. In the summer, the city got a small taste of bike sharing through NYC Bike Share. And during a trip to Paris, Mayor Bloomberg seemed interested in Paris' bike sharing program, though he acknowledged NYC had some challenges (potholes, lack of bike lanes) that would prevent it from creating a similar program.
On West 8's website, you can see images of the wooden bikes - as well as renderings of people enjoying them.
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I'm all for the bike sharing, sadly it comes at the cost of the visual damage caused by such ugly vehicles. Lord they are goddamn ugly bicycles.
Yes!!! An opportunity for NYC to provide two wheel devices for New Yorkers to ride write on. Usually we had to pay to go on a subway to see other people's "art."
These are neat. Definitely an interesting design. Perhaps it's done to prevent them from being stolen. I mean, if someone got caught riding one of those anywhere BUT Governor's Island, it would be pretty easy to connect the dots.
What's the line on how long these will last in NYC?
FIX THE COMMENT SYSTEM1111111ONEONEONEONE
They'll last as long as it is difficult to get them off the island. Why wood though?
What up with the wooden bicycles? Wood doesn't last that long, especially when left outside. Why not metal?
My guess is they think someone will steal these bikes and by having them made of wood they will be easily recognizable.
Stupid idea.
amNew York reported that Dutch firm West 8 ... "will also build 3,000 wooden bicycles for free use by visitors to the island."
There's no American company capable of building these kinds of bicycles?
Design wise, the wooden bikes are very attractive, and may just add to the somewhat bucolic atmosphere of Governor's Island. I know we're all cynical jerks, but think how much a little kid would enjoy riding one of those around.
drewo: I doubt any US form is set up to make 3,000 units of a bike like that. Sadly, with the exception of a few small, boutique operations, almost no bikes are actually made in the US.
I suggest import used bikes from China, since so many Chinese are switching to cars nowadays. This might work on an island but would never work in greater NYC, not really a bike friendly infrastructure in Manhattan.
I'm not sure how someone would go about stealing a bike from an island that's only accessible to the general public by a government-operated ferry service (as I understand it).
What, no wooden shoe comments yet?
C'mon it's the Dutch.
A wooden bike is also heavy. Fine for riding around a tiny island but not a great bike for commuting or reselling, so they wouldn't be attractive for stealing.
Too bad they didn't pick up on Columbia's Bamboo Bike Project.
Think of all the 'personalization' those bike frames are gonna get... carvings, branding, pen and marker....
Steel had to be cheaper, and more durable, but with us taxpayers footing the bill... Lets be unique! :rolleyes:
I never thought they would be stolen in my previous comment. I was referring to the wood aspect of the bike. Not the most durable of materials. Leave a metal bike outside for two years and look what that looks like. I would give them a two year life span at most.
What I like about them the most is there are no spokes. Spokes always need adjustment.
Will they be available in different sizes for the little children?
Snoopy :
What do you mean no spokes?