Cyclists are always running up against new problems calling for new
solutions. These are often solved in imaginative ways.
Often these solutions are not destined to be commercial products,
other times they may be the start of something big. You just
never know.
On this page we feature ideas from cyclists that have actually been
implemented, if not commercially, at least for personal use.
Submissions for innovative bike
inventions are welcome. But it's got to be original and imaginative.
Yet another bike trinket is not the focus of this page.
John Galman writes:
I have been playing golf almost as long as I have been riding a
bicycle so when the thought to combine the two came to me it seemed
natural and logical, not to mention environmentally-friendly. After
all, if one scans the landscape of the modern golf course, he will
most likely observe the endless cart path lining each hole. I call
this the "proliferation of path." Literally and
figuratively, golf course managers have paved the way for my concept,
a concept I call PeddleGolf.
I have designed a front-wheel, bicycle-mounted caddie (carrier)
capable of carrying a lightweight golf bag and clubs. I call it my
BikeCaddie. It attaches to the handlebar stem and to both sides of the
front axle. While I am sure the design could ably hold 14 clubs in a
lightweight golf bag, I would recommend peddling with not more than 10
total. It actually should be less. Most golfers cannot hit 7 clubs
well, let alone 14.
Unfortunately, the thrill is gone or should I say severely
restricted. My golfATV and I have been denied access to golf courses
more times than I would like to admit. Course management has treated
me with a certain disdain that bewilders me. I offer to pay the
appropriate greens fee and commit to keeping my bike on the cart
paths. Their biggest issue seems to be my liability to get hurt. I
have countered these concerns by offering to sign a waiver. Besides, I
tell them, I am only riding a bike to play golf, not coming to race in
a 10K endurance. Regardless of the number of rejections, I will
continue to seek access at other golf courses.
It has become frustrating that such a simple act, riding a bicycle
while playing golf, should be so hard to accept. But such change
traditionally comes slow in the world of golf. Nevertheless, I firmly
believe the "stars are aligned" for today's golfers to add
another transportation option for their rounds of golf. Accordingly, I
have launched a grassroots campaign to find acceptance of my concept.
My rallying cry is "Share the Path." The details of my story
and campaign can be found at my website, www.golfATV.com.
I would be interested in your comments, and most especially, in your
support.
The
Inventive Cyclist
