Fossil fuel electricity not a patch on bicycle power

A seamster from Oakland, California is the latest cyclist to make use of pedal power to run a business.

Paul Nosa charges eight dollars to sew a patch using electricity from a bicycle-driven generator, although if the customer provides the legwork the price is reduced by 50 cents for every minute of pedalling.

Mobile knife sharpeners who carried and powered their grinding wheels with their bicycle were once commonplace in Europe, but the only similar type business you might see today would be a pedal-powered smoothie maker at a festival.

Use your bike to power your phone

A device has gone on sale that allows almost any small electrical appliance to be powered by a bicycle.

The Cycle Charger clips onto any bicycle and will power or charge any device that can plug into the cigarette lighter outlet found in a car.

The charger allows all manner of after-market devices to be fitted to a bicycle including an iPod and speakers, a mobile phone charger or a sat nav.

Cycle insurance

Cycle insurance from the ETA covers against theft, accidental damage and vandalism – even at race events. It also includes third party insurance, bicycle breakdown recovery and worldwide cover. Get an instant online quote below.