Presently, most cycling activities are recreational. High fuel prices, a dysfunctional MUNI, improved bike lanes, and the need to save (or the lack of) money will make cycling an increasing attractive transportation option. Unfortunately, it is very easy to fall off of a bicycle. This is especially true if one is trying to balance a couple of children on the frame and and a bag of groceries on your head, as is common in the Global South.
The solution to this problem is tricycles. Stable, three-wheeled vehicles with a large basket or child seat and taillights on the back, a bell or horn and headlights on the front, and streamers (optional) in the handlebars. A rear wheel assembly is being designed that would allow for easy removal of the rear wheels, so that the vehicle could be carried indoors. It may be possible to build some vehicles with recycled bicycle parts.
Presently, seniors, children, immune-ompromised, and the disabled community have limited options for both transportation and exercise. These populations would benefit greatly from activities that increase their aerobic capacity, encourages movement of muscles and joints, and improves overall physical fitness. Tricycles would allow persons with various levels of disabilities unprecedented mobility and independence. A model could be designed to be "pedaled" with hand and arm motion. Microprocessors would be used in the gearing, braking, and lighting systems.
Cycle manufacturing would bring manufacturing jobs back to the City. Both consumers and workers will benefit from having an affordable, hi-tech, high-quality, locally made product. The technology could easily be exported to the Global South, and would be of enormous utility to communities who presently do not have any roads.
Light manufacturing traditionally has been an activity in the Central City neighborhoods. The blend of simple and high technology for these vehicles seems particularly appropriate for San Francisco.
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