CHALLENGE: can you generate enough electricity on a bicycle to light up a sign?
Creative Recycling Centre joined forces with Gladstone brothers, John and Malcolm Leinster along with the Gladstone Men’s Shed and constructed two modified bicycles that members of the public could pedal to generate electricity to light up 3 different types of light bulbs. The bicycles were attached to a sign spelling LUMINOUS which requires 40 watts of electricity to light up all the letters. The pedal power generators were constructed using recycled bicycles, alternators and other recycled equipment. Adults and children were able to experience how much more energy it takes to light up incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent tubes than LED lights. According to the Australian Government’s (www.energymadeeasy.gov.au) site, each year, an average household in the Gladstone Region uses 20.8kwh each day during summer and slightly less each day in the cooler months. Residents of 4680 with an average household size of four people had an annual energy consumption averaging 18.3kWh daily. By experiencing the change of increase in energy needed for different light bulbs people were able to comprehend and begin to talk and think their homes energy consumption and how to make small changes.
A BIG thank you to John and Malcolm Leinster for the design and construction of these cool bikes, and our amazing volunteers!! SPECIAL thank you to the Gladstone Mens Shed, Gladstone Motor Wreckers and John & Libby Green for their support! What a team !!