Having been lucky enough to meet Eric Staller a few years ago, I was finally able to ride a ConferenceBike, or as Eric lovingly refers to them: a "Cobi". This was everything I thought it would be and more- the Cobi and I began an instant love affair, and it has been blissful ever since! Having been involved with the Cobi now for a few years, I can say that I never had a bad experience with one. I have been to fairs, parades, and parties with them, but some of the most fun we have had with these brilliant machines have been when we have interacted with kids. As we are next door to the youth center here in Somerville, we have taken many kids for rides on the bike. We have also participated in the Night of Lights with the local police department and have also given rides to some of our local officers. The bike has a way of bringing together all sorts of people and making instant friends out of them. I have seen it! The bike also has an amazing effect on the disabled, as stability is not a problem, the Cobi becomes a therapy tool, and adds a level of joy to these people's lives that would not normally be there. It also gets people out into the fresh air and connected with the community.
This bicycle has changed my life for the better; it has become a trusted friend. Every time we go out on the Cobi, it truly is performance art, as every ride is different, every ride is interactive with the community, every ride generates excitement and joy.
"To be the first CoBi operator in Scotland certainly makes me feel like a kind of pioneer (which is satisfying in itself), but the greatest pleasure is derived from the fact that so many people are enjoying the experience of being part of the CoBi fraternity... As someone with a long-term interest in cycling and ecological issues, the CoBi seemed such a natural option and it has proved a big hit with so many diverse groups and individuals - which speaks volumes. And since it appeals to all ages, I'm volumes. And since it appeals to all ages, I'm confident that it's impact will grow and grow! For all sorts of occasions and events - the Conference Bike is here to stay!"
www.onyourbikemillport.com
"In a busy summer Cosybike set a distance record of 109 miles in 14 hours on a CoBi. Can you beat that? And entertained at the Tour de Prestigne electric bike festival, the Glasgow Skyride and numerous birthday parties and charity gigs. No event is too big or too small for Cosybike! Wheeeee! Come to Glasgow to meet Cosybike and Iain. Visitors Book a tour! If you own a ConferenceBike swing by, send an email, say hello, and an impromptu tour of the city may occur. Food and Beer is highly likely to be involved too."
Ian Urquhart, Spokesman! Cosybike, Scotland, www.cosybike.co.uk
WINNERS! The CoBi was the winning float in the annual Twinsburg, Ohio parade of twins. The 97 year old Chiavetta twins are the oldest CoBi riders on record.
The Chiavetta Twins
In addition to the obvious benefit of exercise, the CoBi allows our students to be active participants in an activity in which they would usually be passively involved if at all - riding a bike.
It empowers the person who is deaf-blind to participate in an activity where teamwork is needed. It promotes socialization and accessibility to communication which would otherwise be unavailable during a ride on a bike.
And last, but certainly not least, the Bike fosters interest. In addition to our regular traning program, twice a year we hold a two-week seminar for senior citizens who are deaf-blind. One of their favorite activities is riding the ConferenceBike after a hard day of training. The best line I heard was from an 87 year old woman who was here for two weeks for our Senior program. She said: "I haven't ridden a bike in over 60 yeard, and I never thought I would have that experience again! Than you so much for giving me back something that I used to enjoy so much."
Helen Keller National Center, Sands Point, NY.
"I'm convinced that this bike will help to rejuvenate bland and lifeless American downtowns at night and during the day. I can zip around downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul almost as well as a -perhaps not as fast, but it's certainly more fun. Plus it's fun to meet different people. Now I know what was meant when you said that the experience removes inhibitions among riders. Everyone talks to each other and everyone, regardless of ethnicity, economic level, whatever, is in the same place trying to achieve the same objective in going forward. What fun!!"
Paul Selke, Minneapolis
Doctors; Chaple Hill, North Carolina
Department of Public Works; Waynesborow, Virginia
Cadets; Charleston, South Carolina
Margate; New Jersey
Hey! I thought you'd like to hear about the 30-mile loop we did just on a ConferenceBike: max speed 28.6mph, yeah baby! Donal
Donal Mountain; Google;
"Thanks for making this possible through your genius and artistic mind. My entire family and I are humbled to be able to market your invention." BIKE AND WALK YOUR HEALTH UP, LLC is pleased to introduce the CONFERENCE BIKE or COBI-7 in HAMPTON BEACH NH, WORCESTER COUNTY and in CAPE COD.
Kobi Bosunga
The ConferenceBike is a blast. After the first season of renting and giving rides on my ConferenceBike, I feel very fortunate to have stumbled upon this awesome invention. My company Septacycles.com rents ConferenceBikes in Fort Collins, Colorado for parties, parades, and tours. We rode the ConferenceBike in the world largest bike parade, the New Belgium Brewery’s Tour De Fat. My favorite thing has been seeing families, friends, co-workers, and strangers all enjoying the ConferenceBike experience. There aren’t that many activities that everyone will enjoy but the ConferenceBike never fails to get everyone laughing, smiling, and having fun.
Ian Leinwand, owner/operator septacycles.com
Picnic; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
'The ConferenceBike has become an important part of our bike-try-out roadshows, and we have found that it has generated a good income in its own right too. It gives all our work a carnival atmosphere. Buying a Conference Bike was one of the best decisions we ever made.'
Jim McGurnGet Cycling, York, England
"Here in Belgium, we have an organisation - called UNIZO (Unie van Zelfstandigen) - for self-employed people and small companies. Every year they organise a competition for the most creative entrepeneur of the year. Guess what, we participated with our CoBi and won the first prize! The jury said we were selected unanimously!"
Nico and Anne, www.nicokarts.be
"Here in Pennsylvania (home of Mack Truck), if something is built very well we say it is built like a Mack. In my opinion the Conference Bike is built like a Mack Truck. The Conference Bike is a work to be amazed at by anyone.
Some of the work I have done has included work with the visually impaired. At times I have had six visually impaired people riding with me on the Conference Bike. I had the unique perspective of being able to observe their facial expressions.
Their facial expressions said it all to me; and what they said was: 'this is fun! this is amazing! something I never thought that I would be able to do.'"
Firefighters; Dallas, Texas
Santas, Minneapolis, Minnesota
"That's the coolest thing I've ever seen." Jimmy Carter
Catholic School Girls; Roanoke, Virginia
Of course the ConferenceBike is novel and people are amused and curious even at first glance. That novelty is enhanced when the riders begin to pedal as they realize it's really true, this curious device actually takes off under their own power. But that is not all there is to it. I have piloted the CoBi many times. The core of the CoBi and what makes it an important work of art is the unique social environment it creates owing to Eric Staller's creative insight. The result is a resonating experience that delights me again and again.
Tom Bartlett, Director Circumference
