Thoughts on the EcoHelmet?
09-19-16, 01:18 PM
#26
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Your lack of experience outside your bubble must be the reason you don't realize that people rent bikes (and use bike share programs) for many different reasons. For example, tourists (including those from other countries) use our bike share program or rent bikes while in town. It has nothing to do with not wanting to own a bike. It has to do with the practicality of travelling with a bike, possibly from city to city. And not wanting to own a bike but still ride is not a "problem." Some people have very small apartments that cannot accommodate bikes. Some people use bikes so infrequently that it makes economic sense to use a bike share program.
https://www.biketownpdx.com/
09-19-16, 01:19 PM
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09-19-16, 01:19 PM
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Some folks rent bikes because buying bikes (in some cities, NYC being one) is tantamount to donating bikes to the Cycling Thieves Support Fund, and no thief is going to steal a rent-a-bike.
If I lived in nYC where so many people live a short walk from a subway, a rent-a-bike could be really useful so that i could do short trips (errands, to and from the subway to the job) quicker than walking and cheaper and easier than trying to catch trains---do the main haul on the train and then bike the rest.
As a tourist, i would Never bring a bike to NYC---way too much hassle, way too much risk.
I did see a surprising amount of people on rent-a-bikes. I'd have thought NYC was for hardcore cyclists only, but I saw a lot more folks in casual clothes on Citibikes than on the track bikes and racing bikes I used to see as the most common NYC cycling conveyances.
If I lived in nYC where so many people live a short walk from a subway, a rent-a-bike could be really useful so that i could do short trips (errands, to and from the subway to the job) quicker than walking and cheaper and easier than trying to catch trains---do the main haul on the train and then bike the rest.
As a tourist, i would Never bring a bike to NYC---way too much hassle, way too much risk.
I did see a surprising amount of people on rent-a-bikes. I'd have thought NYC was for hardcore cyclists only, but I saw a lot more folks in casual clothes on Citibikes than on the track bikes and racing bikes I used to see as the most common NYC cycling conveyances.
09-19-16, 01:20 PM
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Wonder how sweat or rain affects the product comfort or effectiveness?
Also Shiffer, CEO and founder of design consultancy Spitfire Industry, told CNNMoney "You could buy a helmet for $5 or less, and when you're done with the ride, you'd put it back in a recycle bin located at each station." Sounds pretty darn expensive for one time use.
Also Shiffer, CEO and founder of design consultancy Spitfire Industry, told CNNMoney "You could buy a helmet for $5 or less, and when you're done with the ride, you'd put it back in a recycle bin located at each station." Sounds pretty darn expensive for one time use.
09-19-16, 01:22 PM
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Some folks rent bikes because buying bikes (in some cities, NYC being one) is tantamount to donating bikes to the Cycling Thieves Support Fund, and no thief is going to steal a rent-a-bike.
If I lived in nYC where so many people live a short walk from a subway, a rent-a-bike could be really useful so that i could do short trips (errands, to and from the subway to the job) quicker than walking and cheaper and easier than trying to catch trains---do the main haul on the train and then bike the rest.
As a tourist, i would Never bring a bike to NYC---way too much hassle, way too much risk.
I did see a surprising amount of people on rent-a-bikes. I'd have thought NYC was for hardcore cyclists only, but I saw a lot more folks in casual clothes on Citibikes than on the track bikes and racing bikes I used to see as the most common NYC cycling conveyances.
If I lived in nYC where so many people live a short walk from a subway, a rent-a-bike could be really useful so that i could do short trips (errands, to and from the subway to the job) quicker than walking and cheaper and easier than trying to catch trains---do the main haul on the train and then bike the rest.
As a tourist, i would Never bring a bike to NYC---way too much hassle, way too much risk.
I did see a surprising amount of people on rent-a-bikes. I'd have thought NYC was for hardcore cyclists only, but I saw a lot more folks in casual clothes on Citibikes than on the track bikes and racing bikes I used to see as the most common NYC cycling conveyances.
NYC Man Riding Citi Bike Cross Country - velojoy
09-19-16, 01:22 PM
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people rent bikes (and use bike share programs) for many different reasons. For example, tourists (including those from other countries) use our bike share program or rent bikes while in town. It has nothing to do with not wanting to own a bike. ...... Some people use bikes so infrequently that it makes economic sense to use a bike share program.
I know... surveys have shown... many tourists have shown interest in the "rental bike attraction". That, by definition makes them a fad. The infrequent user... hasn't (according to the surveys I seen) proven to be much of a line item.
I sure hope your not insulted by what I believe to be an honest assessment of what is in cities (including mine) everywhere. I myself... am NOT anti-fad. I am sorry if you are.
09-19-16, 01:25 PM
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Wonder how sweat or rain affects the product comfort or effectiveness?
Also Shiffer, CEO and founder of design consultancy Spitfire Industry, told CNNMoney "You could buy a helmet for $5 or less, and when you're done with the ride, you'd put it back in a recycle bin located at each station." Sounds pretty darn expensive for one time use.
Also Shiffer, CEO and founder of design consultancy Spitfire Industry, told CNNMoney "You could buy a helmet for $5 or less, and when you're done with the ride, you'd put it back in a recycle bin located at each station." Sounds pretty darn expensive for one time use.
Someone would have to collect all the helmets (and restock fresh ones,) pull all the pads and sterilize them, and steam the shell, then reassemble all the helmets and redistribute them (which, because of bulk, would necessitate a motor vehicle) which would be an awful lot of labor and time. Not sure the guy has done the math on that one.
09-19-16, 01:26 PM
#33
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Trailhead bike rentals have become a destination in and of themselves here in suburban Atlanta.
People dress in athletic clothes, drive to the trailhead, rent the bikes and go riding on the MUP for a few hours. Maybe they get off the MUP a little to explore or get some food but the whole thing is an activity apart from any utilitarian use of the bikes, similar to going to the movies or a hike in the woods. It's just something else enjoyable to do.
I rarely see rental bike users wearing helmets. My guess is that the paper helmets satisfy some lawyer's requirement. They probably come with a warning that bikes are dangerous, you should wear your helmet, etc. Most people are going to put them in their pocket or attach them to the rack and eventually throw them in the garbage.
-Tim-
People dress in athletic clothes, drive to the trailhead, rent the bikes and go riding on the MUP for a few hours. Maybe they get off the MUP a little to explore or get some food but the whole thing is an activity apart from any utilitarian use of the bikes, similar to going to the movies or a hike in the woods. It's just something else enjoyable to do.
I rarely see rental bike users wearing helmets. My guess is that the paper helmets satisfy some lawyer's requirement. They probably come with a warning that bikes are dangerous, you should wear your helmet, etc. Most people are going to put them in their pocket or attach them to the rack and eventually throw them in the garbage.
-Tim-
09-19-16, 01:30 PM
#34
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Like I say, last time I was in NYC is saw a lot of people who appeared to be commuting on Citibikes. I also saw a lot of groups of what appeared to be tourists, but what surprised me was people who seemed to be using them for regular transport.
Just an informal observation from a day walking the streets ... no scientific evidence offered.
In any case ... why ever someone would be riding the bike, that paper helmet offers no value to anybody except whoever pockets the profits before the company goes bankrupt.
09-19-16, 01:33 PM
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+1 - I work at the Nike and they recently started a huge bike sharing program in Portland called Biketown. I have a few friends who would love to own a bike but their tiny 400 sq ft studio doesn't allow them to do so.
https://www.biketownpdx.com/
https://www.biketownpdx.com/
FYI...You are being added to my iggy list.
09-19-16, 01:40 PM
#36
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Sanitation is the real issue with reused helmets. I can cope with a little sweat, but i have no idea what other issues the previous user might have had. Bedbugs in the hotels, lice in the helmets?
Someone would have to collect all the helmets (and restock fresh ones,) pull all the pads and sterilize them, and steam the shell, then reassemble all the helmets and redistribute them (which, because of bulk, would necessitate a motor vehicle) which would be an awful lot of labor and time. Not sure the guy has done the math on that one.
Someone would have to collect all the helmets (and restock fresh ones,) pull all the pads and sterilize them, and steam the shell, then reassemble all the helmets and redistribute them (which, because of bulk, would necessitate a motor vehicle) which would be an awful lot of labor and time. Not sure the guy has done the math on that one.
Either way, this helmet proposal should be recycled to the trash bin.
09-19-16, 01:42 PM
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People do use them a lot for regular transportation. One of the issues with the NYC program when it was new was many people using them for regular transportation to places like popular subway stops as part of their commutes. So much so that people would arrive later at popular locations to find the docking stations full, leaving them scrambling to find alternate docking stations. Once distinct patterns started to emerge, steps were taken to address overcrowding at some locations and a lack of bikes at others.
If the NYC and Philly programs are "fads" they are sure long-lasting ones.
09-19-16, 01:44 PM
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You apparently have powerful observation skills. I hope the NYC bike rentals are as long lasting, and as popular as the carriage rides..... that I've seem people commuting to work at central park in.
09-19-16, 01:45 PM
#39
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It shouldn't be that suprising. NYC has some of the best bike infrastructure in the country and it's only getting better. When I ride in the city I see a ton of folks on their own rides both on the streets and on the Greenways/Central Park.
09-19-16, 01:47 PM
#40
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Can't say how much a bowling ball weighs but they did some testing... "To ensure safety, Shiffer tested it by using a crash testing rig. "We dropped 10 pounds of weight from three feet and it withstood the impact," she said."
The article later goes on to say "U.S. federal safety standards require a bike helmet to protect the wearer's head from an impact that's equivalent to a 6-1/2 foot drop."
The article later goes on to say "U.S. federal safety standards require a bike helmet to protect the wearer's head from an impact that's equivalent to a 6-1/2 foot drop."
09-19-16, 03:13 PM
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Why not just go to the dollar store, buy some folding party decorations, cut them in half and hollow out part of the middle, and then put it on your head? Same thing, basically.
09-19-16, 04:39 PM
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That could be a proprietary construction secret, trademarked and protected ... be careful.
09-19-16, 05:43 PM
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The "eco" label as applied to something that will be discarded after a single use is a definite misnomer. Anything that cannot be reused or re-purposed should never earn any points for being environmentally friendly.
The paper component may be biodegradable, but the plastic straps and fittings are not, though they may be recyclable. Whether this device is recycled or is landfilled, the total volume has to be orders of magnitude above that of standard helmets, which could see thousands of uses before disposal. Also, polystyrene can be recycled as well.
The paper component may be biodegradable, but the plastic straps and fittings are not, though they may be recyclable. Whether this device is recycled or is landfilled, the total volume has to be orders of magnitude above that of standard helmets, which could see thousands of uses before disposal. Also, polystyrene can be recycled as well.
09-19-16, 09:51 PM
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The "eco" label as applied to something that will be discarded after a single use is a definite misnomer. Anything that cannot be reused or re-purposed should never earn any points for being environmentally friendly.
The paper component may be biodegradable, but the plastic straps and fittings are not, though they may be recyclable. Whether this device is recycled or is landfilled, the total volume has to be orders of magnitude above that of standard helmets, which could see thousands of uses before disposal. Also, polystyrene can be recycled as well.
The paper component may be biodegradable, but the plastic straps and fittings are not, though they may be recyclable. Whether this device is recycled or is landfilled, the total volume has to be orders of magnitude above that of standard helmets, which could see thousands of uses before disposal. Also, polystyrene can be recycled as well.
09-19-16, 10:33 PM
#48
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I'm looking forward to it. I ride a folding bicycle and have no interest in lugging my large fixed shell helmets when going into pedestrian mode. Researched all the existing "folding" hardshell helmets and was not impressed with the bulk reduction - ended up going with the old "hairnet" style helmet. It is not going to be as protective, but it's certainly better than nothing and folds to 1/4 the size, about the same as my bike.
I can see how protective this honeycomb helmet can be. My son describes his engineering class group project where each group is given a single 8.5x11 sheet of paper and some glue with the objective to support a student 1" off the ground. The winning group was able to support two students with a honeycomb design.
This helmet need not be single use, just as most folks do not rent a bike share for one ride. They rent by the day, three days, week, month - just fold this helmet up in between rides and recycle it when you are done. Local folks rent bike shares to commute to work without the risk of theft, or facilities to park in the office. For the local commuters, and myself, a more durable plastic version of this helmet would make sense... Anything that folds to a fraction of its size - I'm in.
I can see how protective this honeycomb helmet can be. My son describes his engineering class group project where each group is given a single 8.5x11 sheet of paper and some glue with the objective to support a student 1" off the ground. The winning group was able to support two students with a honeycomb design.
This helmet need not be single use, just as most folks do not rent a bike share for one ride. They rent by the day, three days, week, month - just fold this helmet up in between rides and recycle it when you are done. Local folks rent bike shares to commute to work without the risk of theft, or facilities to park in the office. For the local commuters, and myself, a more durable plastic version of this helmet would make sense... Anything that folds to a fraction of its size - I'm in.
09-19-16, 11:03 PM
#49
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09-20-16, 05:33 AM
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But greasy paper cannot be recycled. I would be Very interested to know what they use to make it waterproof which also doesn't keep it from being recycled. I don't know of any coating or impregnation which can make paper waterproof ... and then be easily washed out for recycling.
Some guy had an idea to make money ... unfortunately, he didn't really have an idea for a useful helmet .... but he thinks he did.
Some guy had an idea to make money ... unfortunately, he didn't really have an idea for a useful helmet .... but he thinks he did.