Clean transport
Transport as we know it is not clean, the majority of our transport is dependent on oil which heavily pollutes the atmosphere and creates huge amounts of greenhouse gases which are causing climate change.
In the UK over three quarters of our oil consumption is going towards all modes of transport- cars, trains, motorbikes, aviation and shipping. We need to find alternative ways of transport and reduce our dependency on oil to slow down climate change.
I looked at the European Commission to see what their stance on green transport was. I found this video about promoting a mix of modes of transportations such as cycling, walking, public transport and occasionally using your car. Their website says that they are trying to improve citizens quality of life and strengthen the economy by promoting sustainable urban mobility and the increased use of energy efficient vehicles, but are they doing enough?
They talk of all the new legislation that has come in recent years regarding congestion, climate change and air quality. Their long term objective on C02 emissions in the EU is to have a overall reduction of 80-95% by 2050! So where are these solutions? why haven't we seen a radical change in transportation, it feels like the government are really dragging their heels with something that could potentially ruin the planet, are they playing with fire?
TWIKE Human-Electric Hybrid Vehicle
Twike is the only human- electric hybrid mass produced car that you can legally drive in Europe and North America. What is the future of human power in hybrid power if this has vehicle has already been around for 20 years?
Logically this vehicle would work well in cities, it makes sense as it combines sustainability, efficiency and fitness in a mode of transportation. But for this to be successful people will need to change their behaviour and lifestyle and make something like this as common place as a bicycle.
The Twike is designed to carry two passengers and a small amount of cargo, there is no bicycle the vehicle can be driven purely by electricity or both pedal power and electricity. It can be charged by a household supply in under 2 hours and a full charge in a standard Twike would cost around 30 pence!
The cost to buy one of these vehicles however is very expensive at 40 000 euros, almost half the cost comes from the batteries. However you do pay for most of the fuel costs at purchase. Some may argue that this will also mean extra years of health which out ways the cost.
Originally Twike 1 was developed for the World Expo in Canada in 1986 by a group of Swiss students. It won several awards such as the 'Functionality Award for the best ergonomic design and it was completely driven by human power. It was further developed for functionality for the road.
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Natalie Bhinder
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