google invests $1 million to help build an urban transit system based on pedal-power. is this a good idea?

per shweeb: “by integrating the unique properties of monorail and recumbent cycle technologies, shweeb delivers a personal, efficient, and cost-effective transport solution with applications for urban commuting, recreational and fitness markets.”

a big vision to their credit. we offer reasons why this is a poor idea as conceived.

1) very weather dependant. maybe less so than a bike. admittedly, not a deal breaker.
2) an invasive, and expensive infrastructure. think hanging power lines with people on them.
3) not very efficient. the whole system is as slow as the slowest person. unlike a bike, at the mercy of the infrastructure.
4) stinky.

maybe this is a new amusement ride. let’s we where we are a year from now. btw, the shweeb is derived from the german “schweben”, meaning to float or suspend.

the shweeb is one of five winners in googles project 10^100

resources:
shweeb
agroventures