State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Aquaduct Bicycle

Note: The following image links to a promotional video from Aquaduct

Source: theaquaduct.blogspot.com
Source: theaquaduct.blogspot.com

In the most recent Innovate or Die contest sponsored by Google and Specialized, the grand prize winner was the Aquaduct, a pedal-powered concept vehicle that transports, filters, and stores water for the developing world.

According to the website,

As the rider pedals, a pump attached to the pedal crank draws water from a large holding tank, through a carbon filter, to a smaller, clean tank. A clutch engages and disengages the drive belt from the pedal crank, enabling the rider to filter the water while traveling or while stationary. The clean tank is removable and closed for contamination-free home storage and use.

The vehicle is still only in the prototype phase, but we solute their creative thinking and look forward to it becoming a viable solution.

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

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Daniel
16 years ago

Wow, what a great idea.

I just hope that it’s inexpensive enough to warrant introducing it into the countries that actually need it.

Of course, a mountain bike following the same design would be pretty nice to have on camping trips (though heavy, I’m sure).

Julie Arrighi
Julie Arrighi
16 years ago

This is an awesome idea! I hope they are able to produce in such a way that it will be cheap enough for use in the developing world. Definitely very interesting, thanks for sharing it!

msc2161
msc2161
16 years ago

I think it should desalinize the water at the same time.

stunt dirt bike
16 years ago

Can you provide more information on this?

tdg6
tdg6
Reply to  stunt dirt bike
16 years ago

You would need to contact the inventors directly. They are currently in talks to introduce a production bike, and we hope it is successful.