What do bikes have to do with high-tech? Plenty if you ask WebVisions conference founder Brad Smith and tech-expert and bike blogger D.L. Byron of BikeHugger.com.
They’ve teamed up for The (un)Wired Future of Bikes, an event that will be part of WebVisions when it comes to the Oregon Convention Center next month (May 19-20). The event will bring together “an eclectic lineup of bike builders, geeks, gearheads and inventors” who will share a series of short presentations ranging from the future of bike design to a look at new gadgets to “keep you connected while pedaling.” (Full rundown of presentations and speakers here).
(Photo: David Schloss)
I asked WebVisions founder and director Brad Smith for his perspective on the connection between bikes and tech. He said the skyrocketing growth of mobile technology and wireless, web-connected devices has led to a reinvention of the bicycle. “Location based applications, GPS and community-based content – sharing routes, favorite rides and activities – have shifted technology from homes and cars to handlebars and back pockets.”
Byron, who’s written extensively about how Apple’s new iPad integrates into a bike-centric lifestyle, is known for his role in bridging bike and tech culture. He says the bike/tech link makes sense simply because “the bike is a connector, especially in the web community.” Byron also figured Portland is a perfect place to push the bike/tech nexus: “We expect Portland cyclists will have much to say about the future of bikes in a city that’s about bikes.”
Byron says the event’s presentations are modeled after the short, engaging Ignite events made popular by tech company O’Reilly. There are still have a few slots available. If you have something to say about the future of bikes, submit your talk at BikeHugger.com/future.
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The (un)Wired Future of Bikes
Thursday May 20th from 1:15 to 2:15pm
WebVisions Exhibit Hall – Oregon Convention Center
Full event details here.