You just gotta love design competitions. They birth out unique ideas, some promising, some a little “eh”, some wierd and others amusing. One thing we have to say about competitions is that they are IDEA INCUBATORS.
Take the Di-Cycle for instance, a concept developed for the Brabantse Spelen a dutch design competition in 2005 by the GBO design engineers
Based on the given theme sport and design, GBO made a two-wheeled vehicle being able to drive over land as well as over water. Goal of this concept is to involve people with the city Helmond in an active manner. Helmond has got an extensive network of roads and channels. This offers the opportunity for a new kind of guided city-tour. While being active in the fresh air, one can enjoy the nicest, touristy spots in Helmond and even visit them. Sponsoring companies of the Di-Cycle were Gamma Holding, Dorel Netherlands and Janssen – Fritsen..
I think this concept, even on it’s early stages, is really worth developing further. With global warming and environment issues beckoning it was noted that the future of the human race may rest well within the scope of “The WaterWorld Movie”. When the polar caps do melt, half the earth-land we have today will be wet lands. And here’s hoping that the Di-Cycle would be an answer to human transportation in the very distant future.
wow! must get one!
as I live on top of a hill in a rather wet country this would be awsome for those tricky rides to school
People check your facts before posting erroneous information. Even if all the ice on earth were to melt (not possible during our present Ice Age). Sea levels would NOT rise to cover “half the Earth’s lands.”
Also, Humans can not economically live on the surface of the sea. Any sea level increase would mean local affected populations would move to higher ground or develop systems to counter coastal flooding.