Hasta La Ideas

Back in March, we caught a tantalizing glimpse of “FLIZ,” an unconventional (to say the least) concept bicycle that was on view at the first annual Munich Creative Business Week. With nary a project page (their current site remains scant on details) to follow up with the design team, we were pleasantly surprised to see that they published the project earlier this month, as an entry for the James Dyson Award:

FLIZ comes from the German “flitzen” and means speeding… with your feet… Based on the very first bike—the “Laufrad”—it is a velocipede concept of healthy, ecological mobility in overcrowded urban space. Its laminated, innovative frame with 5 point belt system does not only mark the outstanding appearance, but first of all it provides a comfortable, ergonomic ride between running and biking. The frame integrates the rider and due to its construction it works like a suspension whereas the belt replaces the saddle and adjusts your position. These aspects reduce pressure in the crotch and distribute the body weight while running, which is a unique feature. On the bottom of the rear stays special treads are located to place and relax the feet.

That takes care of what; as for why:

After analysing the original running machine constructed by Karl Freiherr von Drais, the inventor of the velocipede that was basic to the bicycle, we liked to revive that principle. So we put some questions: “Does the running machine make any sense for adults nowadays? If yes, how and where could it be useful?” “How can we offer a certain amount of mobility to people, who are by any reason not able to ride a bike (or drive a car)?”

(more…)