Ever wish you could do less riding and more running on your daily bicycle commute? Neither have we. But that seems to be the idea behind the German-designed FLIZ, a new concept velocipede that nixes the pedaling and suspends its rider runner from a harness. Core 77 noticed the bike on view at the first annual Munich Creative Business Week, and it looks like the designers entered the project earlier this month for the James Dyson Award.
The FLIZ is a twenty-first century update on older velocipede designs, such as the Draisine, a running-machine created by Karl Drais in 1817. As the designers explain:
“FLIZ comes from the German ‘flitzen’ and means speeding… with your feet… Based on the very first bike — the ‘Laufrad’ — it is a velocipede concept of healthy, ecological mobility in overcrowded urban space. Its laminated, innovative frame with 5 point belt system does not only mark the outstanding appearance, but first of all it provides a comfortable, ergonomic ride between running and biking. The frame integrates the rider and due to its construction it works like a suspension whereas the belt replaces the saddle and adjusts your position. These aspects reduce pressure in the crotch and distribute the body weight while running, which is a unique feature. On the bottom of the rear stays special treads are located to place and relax the feet.”
As attractive as it sounds to sprint around like a gazelle suspended from an orthopedic brace, the practicality of channeling your inner Fred Flintstone on the FLIZ may be questionable. Imagine squeezing one of these onto the bus or the subway. What do you think: are these running-machines the next Segway?
