The 21st century is host to a new global awareness of the dual and related issues of health and the environment. Carbon emissions are rising dangerously and gasoline prices are sky-rocketing. In this crisis one option is to promote increased bicycle riding as a viable transportation alternative. Biking should not only be a recreational sport. It should also become part of an every day sustainable course. The objective of this proposal is to get more people riding. The B-Cuff (bike cuff) offers benefits and incentive to realize this objective.
Linked to this proposal is a rewards point program. The cuff measures distance and converts distance (miles/ kilometers) to points. Points are tallied in an active global data base. Companies participating in this program redeem points for rewards at designated venues. Each cuff is programmed with a user ID and password that is entered into the data base. The number of points accumulated by each rider is easily accessed on line at cuff rewards pick-up outlets. As a rider accumulates points he/she obtains more goods and savings such as discounted bike gear, free drinks and the like.
The B-cuff is a device that locks on to the bike handle bar and is operated by a rechargeable battery. The shell and aesthetics of the cuff can be reinterpreted and customized for varying conditions such as bike size, climate and culture. The essential components are a power source and an odometer connected to the cuff software that converts distance to reward points. A user-friendly screen/ interface enables riders to access their ride information at any time. The digital technology enables riders to track distance per minute, distance per month and points tally.
The B-cuff enables people to measure their own progress and compete against others. This accessory spurs the value of bike riding in general. The cuff will accelerate the current paradigm shift emphasizing sustainability, performance and stream lined aesthetics. Imagine the ‘spin’ of this gizmo…