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Studio Gelardi created the Contrail for the Design21 “Power to the Pedal” Design Competition, with the basic rules being that the design; Builds Biking Communities, is Made from Recycled Material, is Human Powered. The Contrail is a device meant to leave a faint chalk line behind the bike under the premise that it will act as a reminder to motorists and a guide for cyclists. File this one under interesting ideas.
The old cycle: More cars on the road –> more percieved danger for bikers –> fewer bikers on road –> even more cars on the road.
The new cycle: A few bicyclists ride with contrail a couple times per week –> faint lines on the road inspire curiosity and remind bikers where it’s safe to ride –> new bikers are encouraged to ride and use contrail –> contrail lines get brighter as community grows.
First seen at Make.
Man, THAT IS COOL!
Considering at least 6 of the 12 miles I ride a day for work is two lane and that Grand Rapids has no (and I mean literally none) bike lanes this is about the greatest thing ever invented. Next to frozen pizza and canned beer of course.
Would the chalk be a problem for traction? Chalk is sometimes used as a dry lubricant.
What’s weird is if you follow the link and take it to Make Magazine the comments section still has a good 40-50% representation from the negative bike hatin’ “Roads are for cars, Hippie” type. Sheesh, from a magazine about making things at home!
looks like fun. i want i want
Chalk trails are an awesome idea. Chalky tires, not so much.
Didn’t anyone else see the clouds of chalk dust at the tour of california? Why would anyone want to ride behind a chalk dust cloud generator?
This strikes me as the sort of thing that would engender a lot more negative feeling than any positive impact. I think about all of the “cagers tried to run me off the road” stories that show up regularly in the bike-related online world and then add to that bikes that are spraying mystery white powder onto the ground…When drivers already think that people without cars are terrorists why give them more ammo? I’m also having a hard time seeing how a “faint chalk line” is going to mean anything to drivers that isn’t better said by the cyclist just riding happily down the road.
i’d be in front.
Some people are _ussies. That is hella cool.
i travel alone mostly but to see even parts of my path on subsequent days would be cool. would also show where peeps had to swerve around potholes in the bike lane and that would be like marking potholes. I dont see the mark lasting very long so shouldnt be a problem with the po po