<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <meta content="text/html;charset=ISO-8859-1" http-equiv="Content-Type"> </head> <body bgcolor="#ffffff" text="#000000"> BIXI certainly has a detailed and enthusiastic website but I have two serious questions about imagery: <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://www.bixisystem.com/we_are_bixi/"><http://www.bixisystem.com/we_are_bixi/></a> shows helmets on some people. I didn't really see helmets anywhere else on the website -- also not in the photos from the launch. I am not sure what message BIXI is trying to create with that image. The obstacles regarding public bikes where there are mandatory helmet laws are well known to us all. <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://www.bixisystem.com/bixi_system/"><http://www.bixisystem.com/bixi_system/></a> shows what looks like a fast residential street with no separate or even marked infrastructure for cyclists. In fact, it seems that in the process of parking a bike one could have issues with cars or other vehicles in the right lane. With this comment I am not arguing for any solution in particular but it would be great if cities or people get the suggestion that making substantial infrastructure changes on the street is a wonderful idea. Also, BIXI considers it a positive that its racks and system are easy-to-install but I would argue that more permanent-seeming infrastructure is better. Whether it is tram tracks and catenary, a built-up BRT corridor or planted trees etc. in former car space it indicates a commitment from the city and its citizens. Doing something which can be removed just for a pilot can be a good idea, of course. Regards, T Zvi Leve wrote: <blockquote cite="mid:eca93d3a0903250617p5f08dfe7y8a83ffa77de257f1@mail.gmail.com" type="cite">Montreal's public bike scheme - <a moz-do-not-send="true" href="http://www.bixisystem.com/expertise/">Bixi</a> - also has the active involvement of local designers, manufacturers and even software developers. </blockquote> [...] <pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">-- -------------------------------------------- Todd Edelman Green Idea Factory Urbanstr. 45 D-10967 Berlin Germany Skype: toddedelman Mobile: ++49 0162 814 4081 Home/Office: ++49 030 7554 0001 <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:edelman@greenidea.eu">edelman@greenidea.eu</a> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.greenidea.eu">www.greenidea.eu</a> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/edelman">www.flickr.com/photos/edelman</a> CAR is over. If you want it. "Fort mit der Autostadt und was Neues hingebaut!" - B. Brecht (with slight modification)</pre> </body> </html>