I was reading an article about growing your own bike. Apparently, it might take around 4 years if you start from scratch. Of course, many of us won’t want to wait that long, so instead you can buy one – they are slowly becoming more available. I’m talking about Bamboo bikes. They weigh the same as traditional metal framed ones, but the raw materials cost less, and they are more eco-friendly.
Bamboo bikes look similar to normal bikes, but have bamboo frames that are held together with natural plant fibres. They’re not quite as robust as metal-framed ones in that you don’t really want to leave them out in the sun all the time (the stems may crack), but they are proving their worth in terms of safety and performance in races. You can order and buy bikes online, and even buy a kit to make your own!
Why is Bamboo so eco-friendly?
Because bamboo grows extremely quickly (it is ready to harvest in just three to seven years, depending on the species), it is an easily renewable resource. It can be grown with minimal fertilizers and pesticides, it doesn’t require vast quantities of water, and it generates its own new shoots and so doesn’t need to be re-planted after harvesting. Its fast growth ensures that bamboo can yield up to 20 times the amount of timber of trees planted in the same area. A disadvantage of course is that it is a mono-crop. Sales of bamboo products have rocketed due to increased environmental awareness around the world.
I particularly liked this pre-fabricated bamboo bike (right) from a design student from Australia.
Is Bamboo only used for bikes?
I’ve got lots of bamboo in my home, mostly in the kitchen – chopping boards, spoons etc. Many people have installed bamboo flooring.
But now, bamboo is being used for all sorts of things. Some of the more interesting things I found:
- A bamboo school in the Phillipines
- Bamboo laptops, mice / mouses, keyboards and monitors
- Bamboo photo frames
- Bamboo sinks and basins
- Bamboo counter tops and splash-backs
- Bamboo kitchen accessories
- Bamboo directors Chairs
- Bamboo paper, cards
- Bamboo bed linen (I love the feel of bamboo sheets!)
- Bamboo clothing
Next time you need to buy something for yourself, or give an eco-friendly gift, see if it is available in eco-friendly bamboo in the Eco-Store!
Photo Credit: fastcompany.com
Bamboo is definitely a major initiative in the eco world and also includes ‘timber’ flooring systems now widely available and very hard wearing.
I have been thinking about getting a bike here in Costa Rico.Now I will have to consider getting a bamboo bike!
Sonya Lenzo
Who knew a bamboo bike existed? I’m all for choices. I love that you keep presenting us with alternative choices. Thanks.
This bykes are so beautiful! I think it is really worth it to wait to have one!
Thanks for sharing this information on ecofirendly. I never hear of this type of byke before!
Okay, that’s just neat for getting around the city. On a side note I think Bamboo was the real name of my tech support guy…
Clare, I would have never gussed that a bike could be made from bamboo, that is indeed a eco friendly way to get aroud in style.
Scott Sylvan Bell