Once again the humble bicycle has proved its value providing disaster relief – this time following the tragic floods in Texas.
Many bridges, roads and pathways were washed away or damaged in the massive flash flood, and the usual service vehicles could not get through.
With a little improvisation many bridges and crossings could be jerry-rigged with timber or other debris to form a narrow path for pedestrian use, but of course these cannot get vital relief materials through in volume.
But a bike and a trailer can.
In this video example a bridge across a creek – the only access for a small community – was wrecked, but could still be crossed on foot, or bike.
One rider and his e-bike could make 100 trips a day to distribute food, water, chainsaws and other essential items.
In a natural disaster fuel for vehicles is often not available, nor is electricity. So how does the e-bike charge?
You can use solar panels.
Some emergency service agencies around the world have already added bikes and cargo bikes to their fleet, but we have not heard of this in Australia.
But volunteers seem to be more aware of the potential.
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