Work

Repurposing shared bike frames into rural infrastructure

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: While bike-sharing systems have generated significant economic benefits, they have also faced challenges regarding the disposal and recycling of discarded bicycle frames. A potential solution to reuse these difficult-to-recycle frames for essential public service facilities in rural areas has not yet been thoroughly explored. Using shape grammar as a design method, this study examines two typical bicycle frame designs with different geometric properties and successfully repurpose the frames into various public service facilities, such as public tables and chairs, railings, installations, and public restrooms. The research highlights the significant potential for the reuse of discarded bicycle frames by reducing resource waste and providing essential infrastructure for underdeveloped rural areas to narrow the urban-rural disparity. The innovative approach presented in this study offers new directions for future research and practical applications in waste recycling. • Circular reuse of discarded bike frames for rural public infrastructure. • Modular design of public facilities using shape grammar-based transformations. • Innovative rural uses of tables, railings, installations, and toilets via bike frames. • Sustainable infrastructure bridging urban-rural disparities via resource upcycling.

Source: Journal of Environmental Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125229

Authors: Cheng Qian, Zhao Ma

Institutions: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, ETH Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Design and Development

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,750