Cool Tools

A Hand Powered Table Saw / Mitre Saw
(more here)

MORE Work Bikes!

From Yuba Bikes the Mundo cargo bike: Yuba was launched in 2006 to build and provide affordable mobility solutions with a particular emphasis on distributing them to those most in need. The founders of Yuba came together to advance economic and social development, to promote self-reliance, and to emphasize better environmental awareness and lifestyle choices – all through the use of bicycles. Because bicycles are one of the most energy efficient, financially affordable, mechanically reliable, and environmentally friendly vehicles, we believe that a more bike-centric world makes for a better world, a more connected world.

Designed for maximum bicycle mobility, the all-terrain Mundo offers an affordable and sustainable alternative for:

environmentally friendly transportation
economic viability
unsurpassed cargo capacity
the ability to carry passengers
affordable mobility

Check out their cargo bike photo album.

 See Worldbike for "open-source" bicycle designs: "Worldbike is an international network of bicycle designers and industry leaders, and international development professionals, working together to provide transportation solutions and create income-generating opportunities for the world’s poor. All across the developing world, people use bicycles the way we use pickup trucks and school buses. However, the bicycles sold in developing countries are those designed for recreation and are ill-suited to carrying loads. Worldbike designs higher-strength, longer-wheelbase bicycles with integrated cargo capacity. We conduct trial markets to determine the ideal price levels, work with the bike industry to get the best quality parts and frames at the lowest cost, and partner with international development organizations like Kickstart International to sell and distribute the bicycles..."

"The bicycle is the most efficient transportation device yet invented. Trouble is, modern bicycle design has been far more influenced by the needs of racers than by the needs of everyday riders like you. The result: your bike is compact, light, and strong, but it doesn’t have a good place to carry a week’s groceries, waterproof storage capacity, or a good seat for a passenger. Xtracycle solves these problems. Imagine your favorite bike with the rear wheel stretched out behind the seat, a big, stable platform for a load or a passenger, and elegant saddlebags on either side that are expandable when you need them and are cleanly out of the way when you don’t. Best of all, your bike is still lightweight and fast, and because the load is centered between your two wheels, the whole package handles with ease. Suddenly you have much less need or desire to drive around town for your errands. Picture this: riding breezily unloaded to your favorite grocery store, coasting reliably around corners; arriving ahead of traffic; parking at the rack directly in front of the entrance; shopping and easily loading your four bags of groceries; then pedaling home, care-free on a bike that handles just as swiftly now that it’s loaded."
WorkCycles: Transport bike, cargo trike & handmade Dutch city bike specialist
[These are beautiful and VERY functional bikes. Visit their site for a view of many other styles-KJ]

WorkCycles is the specialist in quality utility bicycles for commercial, family and personal use. We develop our own models and also sell bikes from Azor, Bakfiets.nl, De Redding, Monark, Nijland, Onderwater and others. WorkCycles bicycles are known for their timeless design, top quality and attention to detail. Whether you need a bike to safely carry your children, a classic Dutch city bike or tough industrial bikes we we've got it.

OMG! It carries 12 kids!
Look into The International Bicycle Fund especially their page on (work bikes): A non-governmental, nonprofit, advocacy organization, providing information and resources promoting sustainable transport and international understanding to make this planet a healthier and happier place to live. Major areas of activity are non-motorized urban planning, economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and bicycle tourism, and cross-cultural, educational programs.

Bicycle Taxis are becoming popular in NY and other cities:

BicyTaxi NYC Pedicabs – Word Spreads Fast!

BicyTaxi has fast become a common sight in many environmentally-conscious cities worldwide. Because our cities are becoming increasingly crowded and busy, we must consider new and innovative concepts in order to maintain, or even improve, the quality of life for residents. Bicytaxi is the ideal solution to these problems as it ecologically and efficiently reduces urban emissions and therefore pollution. Urban transportation is enhanced through a flexible and reliable mobility system. BicyTaxi pedicabs which are similar to a rickshaw or riksha, however, are not only excellent means of transport for urban areas but also excel at events. They may further be used as a shuttle service and are, of course, one of the best and most effective advertising media in the outdoor sector.

In the UK look for pedi-cabs at Cycles Maximus Ltd

"We set out to build a high capacity tricycle that provides a practical, environmentally friendly solution to your local transport needs. The modular construction offers a wide choice of applications, pioneering design and craftsmanship combine to provide a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine."

Cyclestone Pedicabs, Inc. has been doing business with pedicab since 2004. Our main partners company(Starbike Ltd.) doing business with cycles since 1988. We can offer all kind of pedicab, three cycles and bike configurations to the local and worldwide wholesaler and retail customers. Cyclestone Pedicabs goals; well quality, fast service, enjoyable pedicab & bike and lower price for all kind of our products.

(France)






In Germany:





In India:
Present activities are in sustainable transport, lighting , environment pollution abatement, handicapped rickshaw, etc.

Improved pedal rickshaw (IMPRA)

(In Florida)



(In Colorado)




And, it turns out, many more. See the complete list at
http://www.ibike.org/economics/pedicab-manufacturers.htm

Work Bikes for a Low-Energy Future

In a previous post I featured Bikes At Work's trailers for converting your bike to a work bike. These will undoubtedly become a primary means of transport as the economy shifts to a post-petroleum future...(watch for more donkeys and horses, too.) Here's a few more sources for work bikes:


Worksman Bikes: I first learned about these folks through CoEvolution Quarterly (Whole Earth Review): "Worksman Cycles has long been known as the world-leader in Industrial Cycles (Bicycles and Tricycles). Today more than ever, leading companies call upon our Worksman Business Cycle System to safely and efficiently move key personnel and supplies within large industrial facilities. Our customer list is incredibly diverse and impressive, featuring the world's largest and most respected companies. These companies know that for durable, emission-free transportation, Worksman Business Cycles are the only smart choice." The vegetable delivery cart (which I'd love to have) and the hand-pedaled bike are very cool.


International Surrey Co., LTD: "Offering the finest four (4) wheel Surrey bikes in the world. No other Surrey bicycle company has rented, distributed and manufactured these distinctive four wheel bicycles. Our pledge is to continue to offer innovative two person and four person four wheel Surrey bikes for your business or home and CYCLES THAT MOVE YOU™."


Check out this Wiki page featuring work bikes from around the planet, many of them homemade.