Google Invests in Cycle-Powered Monorail

As the world’s largest search engine, Google could have an edge in detecting newest trends and technologies. The company hosts occasional contests in search of innovative ideas that improve the world – allowing users to select among the finalists, then issuing prizes and investing in the projects. The latest award for a cycle-powered monorail by the name of Schweeb anticipates declining fossil fuels, congestion and a need for new transportation modes. Each passenger cycles contributes by pedaling, suspended over traffic in his or her own aerodynamic cabin, with shock absorbers allowing individuals to connect or disconnect. A prototype is on display in New Zealand, more are planned, and the invention could eventually ease traffic inside or cities or connect major cities. Writes Holger Dambeck for Spiegel Online, Google “promises that potential revenues from their investment in Shweeb will go into a common fund that will be used to invest further in public transport.” – YaleGlobal