About the design

Switch commuter bike is a high performance folding bike that offers the riders a fast and reliable bike that can be folded for convenience. It has been specifically designed for easy handling in crowded environments, taking up no more space than the footprint of one wheel.

Switch promotes sustainable living by encouraging people to use pedal power as their primary mode of transport, creating a healthier environment and life style.

It was developed to address the market need for a functional bicycle primarily targeted at commuters' needs. It enters the market at a time when cycling numbers are high and projected to dramatically increase over the coming years to meet the changing urban environment.



Switch is aimed solely at users who want to ride to and from their places of employment. It offers the user the added bonus of taking the bike easily on and off public transport, in and out of lifts and the ability to store the bike in a small place at home or in the office when not in use.

The design innovation is Switch's ability to fold in one smooth motion making it one of the fastest folding bikes available. Switch does not rely on any structural locking mechanism to fold as the weight of the rider keeps the frame open and rigid. There is a spring loaded ball bearing that stops the rear section of the frame from unfolding prematurely when maneuvering or handling the bike.

As our cities grow an increased pressure is being placed on their resources. Road congestion alone is enough to threaten the livability of cities like Melbourne and Sydney. This congestion carries economical, environmental and social costs. Switch encourages people to cycle rather than drive and is an important step in reducing road congestion.

Switch is a high specification commuter bike and the design reflects this right down to the materials and finishes chosen.



Manufactured from carbon fibre and aluminum, for its high strength and light weight characteristics. The carbon has been used in the upper part of the frame for its shock absorbing ability, creating a more comfortable and smooth ride. Aluminum has been used for the rest of the frame for its strength, ease of manufacture and impact and abrasion resistance in wear areas (where the two parts of the frame lock together). The two materials create a fantastic visual contrast but also compliment each other in performance.

Switch was developed to create a visual statement that sets it apart from current commuter and folding bikes on the market. It uses striking materials and contrasting lines that are dynamic and bold. Switch is an innovative new product for personal transportation that combines unique aesthetic and performance qualities.

Prize

Australian Design Award 2009 James Dyson Award Gold Winner

Category

Student

About the designer

Student Designer

Mr Robert Dumaresq, Monash University

About the award

The Australian International Design Awards is open to all professionally designed products available for sale in Australia including products available for delivery to Australia through online retail outlets. Products professionally designed by Australians for overseas markets are also eligible to enter. The entry must be a manufactured product in full commercial production by the time of final round assessment.

The Australian International Design Awards, a division of Standards Australia is the promotional body for the Australian design industry, and is recognised for its important role in fostering a culture of design and innovation in Australia.

In keeping with Standards Australia's peak status as the national standards body, the Australian International Design Awards sets a global benchmark of quality in manufactured goods. Furthermore, the Australian International Design Awards raises standards by encouraging excellence in product design.
www.designawards.com.au