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Power to the individual consumerInspiration for young bicycle designersThe IBDC International Bicycle Design Competition has a long standing history of innovation, creativity and conceptual designs. During that history young designers have always tried to avoid the traditional conventions in the bike industry and they seldom followed the same paved road like the industry itself has been doing for the last 25 years. Most of the entries and most of the young designers, unintentionally though, have tried to change the industry paradigm of production and sales orientation to real, individual consumer orientation. Not every consumer is going from A to B in the same way, with the same needs, ambitions and aspirations. Over and over again these designers have asked themselves the same questions: %u201cwhat are the functionalities individual consumers need from a bicycle, are they really looking for a bicycle or something different to bring them from A to B?%u201d. And more precisely: %u201cWhat specific consumer do I have in mind, and how do consumer requirements differ from one another?%u201dThis year's finalists of the 13th IBDC stand in this tradition of clear consumer focus, be it a substantial group of consumer with an obvious need or just 1 single individual with a very peculiar need. Without being hindered by the economic laws of manufacturability and marketability as being practiced by the bike industry, the finalists have put the consumer and his needs as no. 1 priority. Please find herewith a short outline of some of the most consumer driven entries to the 13th IBDC finals.Is it a bike, is it a tricycle or a mini scooter? It's a super simple folding device with a single monowheel drivetrain (which does not need maintenance and will not suffer from wear). Designed for short distances, verylight, very compact, easy to fold and easy to store away and offering comfort during transport.Over the last couple of years, the city of Bogota has developed the largest cycling infrastructure in South America, more than 350 km. of bike lanes. Yet consumers still feel uncomfortable andunsafe to use regular bicycles on these bike lanes. A roll cage protects the cyclist who is in semi-recumbent pos ition,comfortable and with sufficient overview in the crowded traffic. By Han Goes, IBDC JurorIBDC NewsThis is a multifunctional waterbike with the African continent in mind. It can store and transport water in the wheels which serve as storage tanks. No need for people to carry the water from to well to their house on their heads for a long distance. Stronger is an amphibian vehicle, with or without water in the wheels it can ride on the water and on the road. In addition it is means of transport during flood hazards and it can serve as a tool for water sports.With a smart quick release system the frame of the Metro Urban bike can easily be changed a gents into a ladies frame and vice versa. The same quick release system serves as locking mechanism system on the front fork in order to prevent theft.