The push to leave the car at home in favor of commuting by bicycle
now weighs on urban communities more than ever, and with a shortage of
urban-minded bicycle design on the market the choice isn't an easy one
to make. To help find a solution, the
Oregon Manifest Constructor's Design Challenge
has brought together some of the most talented designers and custom
bike builders in the country tasked with creating the ideal modern
utility bike. The concept and design process started in February 2011
and has just recently come to a conclusion on 24 September.
Outside of the actual competition were three
Creative Collaborations
by globally renowned design firms working with some top American
craftsman. A highlight of the collaborations was California-based
Fuseproject and Sycip.
The Yves Behar lead firm designed the three wheeled Local while Sycip's
custom build team brought it to life. Designed to be "the perfect
neighborhood bike," it addresses the needs of daily life from visiting
friends, grocery shopping, to taking the kids to the park and even going
surfing.
The unique design/build competition included 34 professional
"Constructors" from ten states. Earning himself a first place prize and
$3,000 in winnings was Tony Pereira of
Pereira Cycles.
The Portland native designed his car replacement with an electric
assist motor and a sound system, hoping to ease the transition from car
to bicycle. Fellow Portlanders Tsunehiro Cycles and Silas Beebe/ID+ and
Cielo by Chris King came in
second and third place for their tough looking utility cruisers.
Taking top place for the student teams was
University of Oregon.
The large design team included students from multiple terms that saw
the project from initial concept design through to the finished product.
Included in the beginning ideation and research was the now graduated
Andrew Lindley
who described the campus bike as a blend of "utility and portability to
enhance the urban cycling experience." The compact geometry vies to
make commuting safer and parking easier with a retractable kickstand and
rear rack. Such innovative touches compelled legendary Nike design guru
Tinker Hatfield to say the bike was a "fresh, creative approach... the
future."
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