Cycling to work

Since over a third of our staff here at Bloom cycle to work everyday it would be a shame not to dedicate at least one blog to the noble bicycle. We've had a look at what's hot in the world of two wheels and selected a top 5 to share with you.

1. Another use for your iPhone

This white horn is a nifty little iPhone 4/4S accessory that will blast out your favourite tunes or read you directions whilst you are out and about. Not only this but it also provides an entirely washable, dirt, scratch and splash-proof protective cover for your iPhone 4. Unlike headphones this accessory doesn’t isolate you from other surrounding sounds, although you may get a few strange looks depending on your music taste.

2. A manifesto for living life to the fullest, on bikes

Holstee is a lifestyle goods company with a conscience. The founders, brothers Mike and Dave Radparvar, have created a nice manifesto to live your life by, which ties nicely back into the brand.

The Holstee Manifesto is a call to action to live a life full of intention, creativity, passion, and community. "Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating,", its about "making real, creative contributions to the world". This manifesto neatly communicates the idea of personal freedom through a series of people on bikes, transportation's symbol of freedom both in the open countryside and built up cities.

3. The city bike - Philippe Starck

The latest city cycle project was recently unveiled in France in collaboration with the legendary French designer, Philippe Starck. Starck was asked by the City of Bordeaux to develop a ‘Bike of the Future’ which will eventually become the new model for the city’s bike sharing program.

Starck’s design is a hybrid of a bicycle and scooter. A foot plate is integrated into the frame in front of the pedals providing riders the ability to safely push start the bicycle.

Bordeaux has seen a threefold increase in the number of bike riders in the last 15 years and is now one of the world's leadng bike friendly cities.

4. Cycling in any weather

If a little rain doesn’t deter you from taking to the road, a rear mudguard is a must for keeping your bum dry as seasoned cyclists will know. Full Windsor’s Quickfix, is a clever little gadget that can be swiftly attached (and removed) with a couple of snaps-no tools required.

If you're a night rider, or simply want to have the coolest bike in town why not make your whole bike glow-in-the-dark as illustrated by the Blackberry Bold 9900 advert.

We've had a look online and the DIY experts recommend phosphorescent paint for a lasting glow. You won't fail to be noticed.

5. The London bike map

London has been busy building bike-lines in recent years to coincide with the Boris Bikes pay and ride scheme. The city has even built bike "superhighways" to easily zip cyclists from the center of the city out to the peripheries. But the city has lacked a detailed and helpful bike map...until now.

Simon Parker has attempted to codify the various bike routes of London, which he found to be confusing and poorly marked. It's inspired by the iconic London tube map, which is credited with making the tube more accessible and increasing ridership.

Parker has created various routes, which he's color-coded and numbered. There are five possible colours - orange, red, cyan, navy, and green.

Now all that's required is for the City of London to adopt it. There is a petition to get the City to do just that which could make our journeys both easier to navigate and safer.