Get around town on a Yike Bike!

People hunting for urban transportation solutions might want to get familiar with the YikeBike, a miniaturized version of the original Penny-Farthing bike. Only this mini-farthing bike is powered by a battery and can be folded into something the size of a briefcase — ideal for crowded urban offices and apartments.

Parking and security — two fundamental concerns with urban living — are no longer a problem, says Grant White, the designer and founder of YikeBike, based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The handlebars fold down, the seat tucks away, and the whole thing turns into something like a thickened disc, a procedure that takes 20 to 30 seconds. When a padded shoulder strap is added to the package, it becomes a mode of transportation that can truly be carried over the shoulder.

The bike itself is priced at $3795 and $1995 (USD)— the more expensive frame built with carbon fiber and the other from aluminum and composites, with all other features the same.

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/12uNh)

People for Urban Progress

We just learned of this terrific organization – the People for Urban Progress (or PUP), based out of Indianapolis. PUP is a non-profit organization that promotes and advances public transit, environmental awareness, and urban design.

They deal with projects regarding urban livability, public transportation and recycling; and they have a lot of cool products that are made from recycled materials. The website states:

We stand for project-based urban progress.

We’re an idea incubator, design center, and do-tank.

We began with the idea that the SOLUTION to any urban problem must consider transit, environment, and design in unison. As such, we work with communities and designers to develop innovative and affordable strategies to enhance Indianapolis’ urban quality of life.

In order to do this, we MAKE things. And these small things help fund the big things – the big IDEAS. Our DOME BAG PROJECT is a quintessential example of this way of thinking and working. After we salvaged the roof of the RCA/Hoosier Dome in 2008, we started working with local designers to make products from the fabric. The sale of these products helped us fund the installation of larger public shade structures and pavilions throughout our community… many of which will be installed the summer of 2011.

Check it out!