ABSTRACT
This chapter explores case studies that identify and illustrates the techniques employed by five creative inventor/designers as they have 'framed' the bicycle design problem and generated solutions. As a bicycle is a human-powered vehicle, there is no call on an external power source. This is inherently better for reducing our transport carbon footprint than any other way of getting around, even after taking into account the footprint of any extra food that a cyclist may consume to provide the power required. A key step in the evolution of dominant diamond frame design was the 'Rover' Safety bicycle designed in 1884 by John Kemp Starley. The pneumatic tyre was probably the most significant of the innovations to be applied to the diamond frame bicycle, displacing solid rubber and cushion tyres. Andrew Ritchie started designing a folding bicycle in 1975, stimulated by the Bickerton folding bicycle. Ritchie was inspired by the thought that he could do better, that is by constructive discontent.
