semester bike: sustainably built to drive a positive change

semester bike: sustainably built to drive a positive change
all images courtesy of makelab and HERObike

the mission of the ‘semester bicycle’, developed in partnership with american companies makelab and HERObike, is not only to create a sustainable product using bamboo, but also create new jobs in an area of need. the project is located in the town of greensboro, albama, where the bamboo is grown directly behind the workshop. each bike is assembled by people from the community with the help of HERO. the products are created using locally sourced materials – the bikes feature a composite bamboo and steel frame, composed of a carbon fiber core and a hexagonal bamboo skin with durable laminated coating. the ‘semester bike’ is consistent in size, strength, and performance. the hexagonal ‘hextube’ tubes are lined with natural bamboo fibers, which run parallel along its length. carbon fiber and FRP skins are laid at 45° to create torsional rigidity that protects the bamboo, the result is incredibly strong and lightweight. the ‘rear triangle’ of the bike is made from powder coated steel, providing overall lateral stiffness and durability on all bearing surfaces. semester bicycles come in two models and are available in three standard sizes, which can be pre-ordered on the project’s kickstarter site. the project supports a better life for local families and represents a leap forward in sustainable manufacturing and design.

the bike features porteur handlebars with custom woven cotton grips, twine wrapping and cork endplugs

the semester citybike features handwoven bamboo fenders and a brooks B-17 saddle

each bike is assembled by people from the community with the help of HERO

the semester bikes are created using locally sourced materials

 
structural bamboo hex tubes that deliver a strong, vibration dampening ride for our newest model of bamboo bike

a bamboo core is skinned on the inside with carbon fiber and covered with a durable glass/epoxy lamination

each bike is environmentally friendly, built from local bamboo grown without irrigation, pesticides or chemicals

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.