Bike sharing systems have been huge successes in cities like Paris and Barcelona. But due to their extensive infrastructure requirements, they're expensive to build. One man suggests a system run primarily by smart phones.
Ryan Rzepecki's idea for a Social Bicycles System puts the power of finding and unlocking bikes in the palm of the hand. By adding a locking mechanism to the back wheel, bikes don't have to be locked at a docking station, and can be unlocked by system users with a simple on-phone application.
"A few advantages: You don't need docking stations, a la B-cycle systems. The bikes can theoretically be a lot cheaper than the $3,500 (!) cycles in the world's first citywide network in Paris. And, as with any of the fast-spreading bike-sharing networks, you get mobility without needing a car."
FULL STORY: Running bike-sharing networks through smartphones
This is How the British Started Cycling More
Cycling has never felt more relevant or encouraged in the UK. Since May, the London Councils have upgraded 60 km of bike lanes in the capital city, added 20,000 square metres of extra pavement space, and installed 1,500+ additional cycle parking.
Mobility Data: How Your Travel Patterns Could Inform Policy
Data generated by travel modes can inform planners and regulators in improving the transportation system, but private mobility companies often restrict their access for concerns about privacy and competition.
The Present And Future State Of Bike Share Systems In Florida
A quick run down of Florida's existing bike share programs and a look at what's coming in 2017.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.
Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides
The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.
Plugging the Gap: Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden of Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells
Taxpayers, federal agencies, and tribal governments are working to address Arizona's orphaned oil and gas wells, which pose environmental and health risks, while advocates call for greater accountability from oil and gas companies.
Future Floods in Focus: Using AI and Physics to Visualize Disaster Risks
MIT researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI-powered tool that integrates physics-based models to generate realistic satellite images of future flooding, offering communities a powerful way to visualize and prepare for disasters.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners