The jury says: The Classics Prize 2010/11 goes to Christiania Bikes. It has been present in Danish streets and lanes for more than 25 years and has earned its well-deserved iconic status. The design is simple and robust and has proven its durability through many years of daily transport of shopping bags and children. The bicycle is a beautiful example of design that springs from a simple, good idea that stays viable due to function and charm. It has inspired other manufacturers’ and designers’ development [...]

Wilfred Thesiger 1910-2003 From his autobiography excerpted in the Guardian: “Even as a boy I recognised that motor transport and aeroplanes must increasingly shrink the world and irrevocably destroy its fascinating diversity. My forebodings have been amply fulfilled. Package tours now invade the privacy of the remotest villages; the transistor, blaring pop music, has usurped the place of the tribal bard”

Bertrand Delanoë, the mayor of Paris has rejected bright yellow, blood red and apple green (the latter because it is the trade mark of Velorution Rent-a-Folder service ) and has settled for a grey which will highlight the colourful logo. The name short and catchy: Velib. Three speed, a large front basket, a dress guard, but the weight, 22.4 kg, will put Montremartre off the map. Decaux has promised to install 1420 hiring spots, with a total of 14000 bicycles. After subscribing (€1 for a [...]