October 9/07 10:18 am - Specialized Launches Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Contest

Posted by Editor on 10/9/07
 

Specialized Launches Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Contest

Specialized Bicycles and Goodby Silverstein & Partners-Bay Area companies that share a passion for innovation, technology and the environment-have created the Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Contest, with additional support from Google Inc. This contest challenges participants to create a pedal-powered solution for offsetting climate change. When it comes to efficient energy use, the bicycle leaves all other modes of transport in its dust. The same amount of energy that it would take a person to walk at 3 mph, would allow them to travel at 10-15 mph by bicycle.

"We believe in the power of the bicycle," says Specialized's Founder and President Mike Sinyard. "We believe that the bicycle can be a self-powered solution for reversing global warming, improving the environment and making the world a better place for future generations." In order to do his part in the fight against global warming, Sinyard, along with Specialized employees and select dealers, will be rode the 600-plus miles from Specialized's world headquarters in Morgan Hill, California, to the annual Interbike tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Contest launched on September 19th at a specially created website, www.innovate-or-die.com. Eligible entrants will be invited to post videos on the You Tube website that document and detail their pedal powered solutions. Winning entries will be selected by a panel of distinguished judges. Prizes include $5000 cash and Specialized Globe bicycles to the top entries. The contest closes on December 15, 2007, with winners announced on January 15, 2008.

"As a student in art school, I was always inspired by design competitions that had an open call for entries," said Rich Silverstein, founding partner of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. "Now it is our turn to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers. Thanks to the combined strength of our three companies, we can challenge these young adults to help save our planet with imagination and ingenuity."

"We need new ideas and a new generation thinking about the issues surrounding climate change and possible solutions," said Dan Reicher, director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives for Google.org. "This contest will encourage young people to think about their impact on the environment and to take a different approach. I look forward to seeing how people from around the world put their pedals to work."