Monday, November 19, 2007

Velo - A Tribute To An Era



This may be quite a strange post, but its the coincidence of me randomly thinking (about global warming initiatives) and coming across these pictures via ffffound.

What I was thinking was this. There are initiatives, all over the world that use the Kyoto Protocols "carbon/emissions trading scheme". What they do is, the third world sells its unused carbon emissions allowance to the developed world so that they can increase their allowance, so as not to exceed their Kyoto Protocol "limit".

So my idea was this, why doesn't someone start an initiative where bicycles are given to underprivileged (but not necessarily) people that would otherwise use informal/public transport. On a large scale, this would lower carbon emissions from the increase in human powered transport. The difference would then be sold under the EU carbon/emissions trading scheme, used to fund the initiative and possibly pay the bicycle users as an incentive.

Now you can see why the images of the bicycles are so relevant, but flip those bikes are beautiful. Made/Remade by hand by Uula Jero of Gallery Grappo. Imagine an entire community that didn't use cars and all rode around on vintage/low cost bicycles, which would then act to increase their standard of living due to to carbon income. A utopia, of sorts.


I apologize for the jumble of thoughts, hopefully you understood what i was going on about.
I'm sure it'd work, obviously the amount of initial investment would scare off most potentials, as registering for the Carbon Trading Scheme costs a crap-load unfortunately.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Enjoying your blog as always, a great selection of interesting things. Love the wooden radios and these bikes.

Heather Moore said...

I have a bike mad husband. Once you get started, you'll find the most amazing bike sites and very funny writing too. BEN (bicycle empowerment network) is a local initiative that's doing pretty much what you suggest in this post. Check 'em out.

Sam Suttie said...

I totally agree with the bike thing, maybe you should design T-shirts that support this thought process. I saw a documentry on a similar concept carried out in SA where it actually created jobs and a sustainable income to communities as they started bike repair workshops. It just makes sense...;)

reineke said...

i like your site, now your on my daily list!!!

reineke said...

i like your site, now your on my daily list!!!

Anonymous said...

A very beautiful bike, and the photography is well done. Do you have any photos of the entire bicycle from the side?

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Uula was actually studying in glasgow this year and might be there next year as well. He also did a project on low carbon emission, as far as i know so maybe you should get in touch?