bicycle elevator

[guardian]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtB8DX70ihM

The Norwegian city of Trondheim is home to the world's first and only bicycle elevator. The city built the lift to promote commuter cycling in 1993. To use the lift, passengers place an outstretched leg on a moving footrest. The lift hauls them up the 426-foot-long, 20-percent gradient hill at a speed of just under 5 mph.

[redwitch]

1. That's great!

What a wonderful idea!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Defeats the purpose.

If you need a bike elevator you need to rethink your choices.

:shrug:

[MineralMan]

4. Not really. It's a good use of simple technology to help

promote bicycling. A long 20% grade is not something the average bicyclist can ascend. If it is an impediment to the use of bicycles, this assistive device is more than worthwhile.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

5. That's what gears are for.

:shrug:

[OKIsItJustMe]

8. Because, we all know…

If you aren’t doing 100% you aren’t really doing anything (right?)

You know, like there’s no point in increasing the efficiency of a car, unless you can move it using no energy whatsoever…

I suppose you’re dead set against bicycle carriers on buses too.

Yup, if you can’t peddle yourself up a long 20% grade, you might just as well drive an SUV.

[Warpy]

6. We're not all healthy young males

and this is great for cyclists who are older, arthritic, or pregnant.

[Gregorian]

7. I agree, but 20% is tough. I'm off to ride a couple of miles of 15% right now.

20% is a gut buster. I ride a mile of 20% on one trail, and it is rough! And I'm pretty much pro material.

Having said that, most people are lazy and out of shape. It's their loss.

Also, I think the mechanism is quaint in the same way SF cable cars are.


Bikes rule!

[liberal N proud]

3. Cool

[madrchsod]

9. great idea.....