Page 12 RAIN January 1979 Small Vehicles for Transit and Transport Not only have the low prices of land and fuels in the United States encouraged diffuse settlement of the population and heavy reliance upon automobiles and trucks to provide transit and transport, but these primary effects have in turn produced a secondary effect of relegating the bicycle and motorcycle to the position of being very nearly playthings. These smaller vehicles might have withstood the challenge of long intra- and inter-city distances in this country had it been the only factor working against them. But, as the use of the auto has been encouraged by new construction not designed for use of vehicles of lower mass and more modest speeds, bikers have been forced to constantly compete with larger motorized vehicles for road space as well. Yet there have been forces at work, and there are forces which will continue to work to modify this scene. Not only are small automobiles and trucks becoming increasingly practical, but it is likely that some varieties of vehicles smaller than cars and with fewer wheels will also find increasing use under favorable conditions in parts of the United States. As petroleum prices rise to moderate cost by international standards, as some lanes and paths are dedicated to small vehicles, and as some steps are taken to make cities more liveable, it behooves us to look at parallel experiences in parts of Europe to see what technology is available and adaptable and to see under what conditions small vehicles for individual transit and small goods transport work well. Small vehicles of generally elegant design are scattered here and there about Europe, in the cities and on the farms, fitting into particular niches as the local conditions dictate. While some old and heavy pedal-powered machines are roundly cursed by former users from their cars as an occasional remaining specimen rolls by, others are still in widespread use by postal services or city street and maintenance workers. An assortment of bicycles, tricycles, small trailers, mopeds and motorized carts fill a variety of transit and transport needs which lie between those served by foot and those which require four wheels and a four cylinder engine. Variations of some of these vehicles could find application in the United States, where the climate and terrain are not impediments and where several of a number of inducements are present: e.g. high fuel prices, average trips of short distance under modest load, concentrated areas of small-goods deliveries, dedication of traffic lanes to non-motorized or small vehicles, differentials in purchase prices, insurance and maintenance costs between small and large vehicles, and prohibition of or disincentives to the use of larger vehicles in sections of cities. Living on tighter resources and in more densely populated, historically defined urban areas has given many European countries a certain kind of advantage in transitioning to the post-petroleum era. From his travels around Europe and Scandinavia, Gregg Shadduck has pulled together a stimulating overview of the use there of intermediate technology for small- scale transit and transport. While we would do well to pick up on these models, Gregg notes: "I don't think it really too healthy ifpeople want to run offand buy these machines. Just borrow ideas and build what's needed here." Gregg can be reached at 1286 Carriage Dr., Eagan, Minnesota, 55123. -SA Following are descriptions of a number of small vehicles and the names and addresses of several manufacturers. The manufacturers are listed as a point of information and not with the intent of suggesting that these designs are appropriate for import or that it would be desirable to import them rather than constructing the machines locally or regionally. But a number of the machines certainly suggest designs and applications which could be adopted or modified to suit local needs. Bicycles The old balloon-tire, the practical three-speed and the trendy ten-speed bicycles are familiar to nearly everyone. Not so familiar are some delivery bicycles which are able to carry anything from letters to 100kg loads of produce. Several postal services in northern Europe commonly use sturdy bicycles for neighborhood delivery of mail. These bicycles are usually step-through models with ready kick-stands and front luggage racks mounted to the frame (not to the handlebars or front axle) thereby eliminating the instability caused by a shifting load in a turn. Non-governmental versions are often used in parcel delivery and can be made in the same form, but are more often seen with double top frame tubes, forming a nice spot in which to paint the owner's name. Raleigh makes such a model available overseas, Schwinn makes a large and sturdy bike in this country, the "Short John" is familiar in Denmark (Smith & Co., Kochsgade 31, 5100 Odense), and other makes are found in other locations. The "Long John" is a more exceptional kind of delivery bicycle in which the front wheel is removed about a meter from the remainder of the bicycle and a cargo platform (100kg capacity) is interposed. The special difficulties of powering the single-speed bike have reduced it to special order status at Smith & Co., where it costs approximatey DKr 2000 or $375. FewerThanFourWheels, "Long John" freighter bike made by Smith & Co., Odense, Denmark. The Swedish 3-wheel moped, the Crescent. J
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz