urbanism

In city traffic, a two-seater electric pod like the Citroën Ami or the tiny pedal-assisted Quadvelo seems an obvious choice for urbanites – slipping through congested streets, easy to park, and using a fraction of the space and energy of a SUV. Designs such as the Ami, Pony4 quadricycle, or four-wheeled velomobiles promise a radically different transport model: One of smaller, lighter vehicles tailored to short trips.

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For many of us, the freedom of cycling is something we cherish - whether it’s the joy of gliding through the park or simply popping to the shops without a second thought. But if you haven't ridden for a few years, the idea of getting back on a bike can feel daunting. That’s where e-bikes come in - and why they’re opening up cycling to thousands of older riders.

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We love cargo bikes. The way they transform your life – making the school run, big shop, or impromptu picnic feel effortless. But let’s be honest: they’re not cheap. Nor are they easy to store in the kinds of homes and flats many of us live in.So, inspired by the creations of Heath Robinson, we decided to build our own cargo trailer. Our aim? To create something big enough to carry serious stuff, easy to store when not in use – and ideally, something that doesn’t scream “steal me” to opportunistic thieves. Enter the wheelie bin trailer.

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Well, here’s a plot twist no one saw coming: James May – yes, that James May – has finally said what many of us have been shouting into traffic fumes for years. Cars don’t belong in cities. Not just that they’re a bit annoying, or need managing – but that, deep down, they simply don’t fit.

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Have you ever noticed the creeping infestation of metal utility boxes colonising Britain’s pavements? Officially, they house all manner of mysterious infrastructure – cables, pipes, the dreams of long-forgotten transport ministers. Unofficially? Well, it turns out some of them are hiding an altogether more interesting secret.

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