A NETWORK OF URBAN HUBS . A PREREQUISITE.
From Grand Central Terminal to the one of the world's largest subway systems, and most recently Citibike , Urban Hubs would help move people, packages, and waste. Urban Hubs critical to establishing a carbon net zero district.
Micro cargo.Micro cargo distribution is a key component of Urban Hubs. It shifts the transport of small goods from trucks to cargo bikes, trikes and quads in cities. Local Hubs bolster this service with the right infrastructure, making it central to their operations.
Micro mobility. Micro Urban Hubs offer a variety of services: bike retail, rentals, recovery, and repairs. They provide cargo bike rentals, secure parking, and support last-mile solutions, including micro cargo container relays. These hubs are designed to promote micro-distribution, aligning with micro-mobility principles.
Micro waste transfer stations.Given NYC's escalating garbage problem, Invent City proposes collaborating with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to develop a straightforward mechanical waste storage system as part of its Clean Curb program. This initiative promotes micro waste transfer stations, aiming to address and mitigate the city's worsening waste management challenges.
Public toilets.Public toilets aren't just a human rights issue; they boost tourism and business. City Council member Rita Joseph and Borough President Levine champion them. Local Hubs believe showcasing top-quality public toilets can elevate city living and drive economic growth, making Hubs a sought-after destination.
Retail incubation (where appropriate).Retail incubation (where appropriate). Local Hubs aim to boost local entrepreneurship and innovation through retail incubation, transforming these hubs into vibrant urban destinations. They offer emerging businesses a platform to nurture, test, and expand their offerings. With affordable retail spaces, mentorship, and diverse customer access, Local Hubs aspire to fuel community economic growth and creativity.
Energy controls (where appropriate).Urban Hubs understands NYC's need for reliable electricity for electric-assist bicycles, cargo bikes, and EVs, and to prevent blackouts. Urban Hubs' locations could facilitate controlled e-bike charging and host essential switching equipment, supporting microgrids powered by renewables, including solar, wind turbines, tidal generators, and local fuel cells. This enhances the city's energy resilience and sustainability.
The economic benefits derived from addressing these issues are substantial. However, when tackled individually, these solutions often lack private financing viability. But when addressed collectively, they become financially feasible for private investment.
micro cargo. problems and opportunities.
Overall cargo entering NYC is projected to increase from 365 million tons in 2020 to 540 million tons by 2045 (DOT).
Package deliveries have increased by 50% in two years, reaching 3.6 million packages.
The micro cargo vehicle sector is undergoing rapid evolution. While European companies are leading the charge, introducing cutting-edge technologies to the NYC market, there's ample opportunity for local NYC businesses to innovate and level the playing field. NYC's rich entrepreneurial spirit and a history of adaptability, NYC companies have the potential to harness local insights and drive advancements in this burgeoning field.
Bikes
Delivery bikes are eco-friendly couriers with sturdy frames, cargo space, and electric assist. Ideal for urban deliveries, they're used by couriers, food services, and local businesses, offering cost-effective, green transport and job opportunities.
Pros
| Limited to carrying 30-40 pounds, typically in a basket, rear rack, or insulated backpack. |
Cons
| Needs more maintenance and training than just an e-bike. |
| Loaded trailer weight demands pedal-assist and potential throttle for heavy starts. |
| Security concerns during multiple stops. |
| Higher costs for durable e-bikes and trailers. |
Bikes +
Cargo bike-trailer combo is typically an electric bike + specialized trailer for efficient goods transport. Reinforced frame, spacious trailer hitched for stability. Eco-friendly, urban cargo solution, gaining popularity in NYC.
Pros
| Popular for small businesses moving goods in busy areas. |
| Highly maneuverable. |
| Trailers detached for compact storage post-shift. |
| Safe around cyclists and pedestrians. |
Cons
| Needs more maintenance than a basic e-bike. |
| Loaded trailer demands pedal-assist and a possible throttle. |
| Security concerns at multiple stops. |
| Higher costs for quality e-bikes and trailers. |
Trikes
Cargo trike is a 3-wheeled, goods transport champ. Sturdy frame, rear cargo platform. Ideal for urban, last-mile deliveries, beating vans and e-bikes. Pedal or e-assist for heavy loads, eco-friendly in crowded areas. Longer shifts, less congestion.
Pros
| Maneuverable and safe in traffic or bike lanes. |
| Stable during use. |
| Secure storage for multiple drop-offs. |
| Highly visible with potential for bright lighting. |
| Less theft-prone due to size. |
| Easy to park, even on sidewalks if allowed. |
| Good branding space on large containers. |
| Designs vary, usually 36" to 48"+ wide. |
Cons
| Needs more maintenance and training. |
| Demands larger storage due to size. |
| Requires fire-proof battery charging. |
| Potential need for insurance. |
| Pricey, often more than high-end e-bikes with trailers. |
| New designs may face supply delays. |
Quads
Cargo quad: Four-wheel goods mover, like a pickup truck. Ideal for urban deliveries and industrial logistics, higher capacity than bikes, and e-bikes. Pedal-electric assist, popular in Europe for eco-friendly urban cargo transport.
Pros
| Exciting European designs. |
| Weather enclosure, pedal-assist, safety. |
| Width: approx. 36" for bike lanes. |
| Capacity: 350-700+ lbs. |
| Swappable Li-ion batteries. |
| Secure cargo, like cargo trikes. |
| Branding space on larger containers. |
Cons
| Not classified as bikes in most states. |
| NYC DOT considers bike lane access. |
| Requires extra maintenance and training. |
| Needs larger storage (size and weight). |
| Specialized battery charging for fire codes. |
| May require insurance. |
| Often pricier than high-end e-bikes. |
| Possible supply chain delays for foreign-made designs. |
micro transit. more than citibike.
While not part of the RFEI, the Wall Street Journal reported that Lyft, the owner of Citibike, is looking to sell its fleet or forge a partnership with an investor that infuses cash into the bikeshare division. Micro Hubs could offer options for improving Citibike’s operations in Lower Manhattan (as a model for citywide).
NYC's Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) in September 2022 to support NYC's cycling ecosystem. |
| Secure bike parking: Facilities ensuring secure and user-friendly storage for bicycles and cargo bikes. |
| Last-mile cargo bike container relay facilities: Networked facilities for cost-effective cargo bike deliveries citywide. |
| Last-mile bike rentals: Facilities for convenient round-trip bike rentals near public transit. |
| Bike retail and rental: Accessible, durable, and affordable bike retail and rental facilities. |
| Bike supply, recovery, and repair: Comprehensive bike provision, restoration, and repair services. |
| Small-scale bike repair: Self-serve and full-serve facilities for bike maintenance. |
| Cargo bike rental: Facilities for renting cargo bikes to replace motorized transport. |
| Traffic gardens and amusements: Car-free spaces for kids to learn safe street navigation. |
garbage. more than rats.
New York City, labeled by Time Out magazine as the world's second-dirtiest city, grapples with growing waste issues and lacks alleys for discreet waste storage like Chicago.
Daily, the city generates 12 thousand tons of waste, marking a 375-ton increase in just five years due to population growth and e-commerce. However, solutions exist: Battery Park City efficiently uses compactors and large bins to maintain cleanliness. Recycling the 30% of household waste that's organic could save the city $35 million annually and significantly cut down on methanol emissions, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2. Urban Hubs present potential solutions. |
| Store garbage off the street: Implementing storage solutions to keep garbage off public streets. |
| Compact the garbage: Using compaction methods to reduce the volume of waste for efficient disposal. |
| Divert composting: Promoting composting to reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills. |
| Remove large trucks from the streets: Reducing street congestion and pollution by minimizing truck traffic. |
| Enable future DSNY Clean Curbs Initiative: Supporting initiatives for cleaner and more efficient curbside waste collection. |
| Help facilitate Commercial Waste Zones: Streamlining waste collection in designated zones for improved efficiency. |
| Showcase innovation in waste management: Highlighting cutting-edge approaches to handling waste in urban areas. |
PUBLIC TOILETS. a basic right and economics.
Public toilets are vital for New York City, ensuring not only a basic right but also economic prosperity. Insufficient facilities tarnish the city's image, affecting tourism, investments, and property values.
With New York ranking 93rd in the U.S. for public toilets per capita and a plan for just five new park toilets by 2024, each costing over $1 million due to plumbing needs, this issue championed by Manhattan's Borough President and Council Member Rita Joseph, who introduced bills to increase access in city buildings and ensure ADA compliance. At Invent City's proposed micro urban world fair on carbon net-zero innovation in NYC's Financial District, providing public toilets is essential for visitor comfort, extended stays, inclusivity, sustainability messaging, emergency preparedness, a positive visitor experience, support for local businesses, hygiene, enhancing the city's image, regulatory compliance, and overall event success. |
| Visitor Comfort: Public toilets ensure visitor comfort, enhancing the overall experience at events. |
| Extended Stay: Access to public toilets encourages attendees to stay longer and explore the event fully. |
| Inclusivity: Inclusive restroom facilities cater to all attendees, including those with disabilities. |
| Sustainability Message: Clean and eco-friendly toilets align with sustainability themes, reinforcing the event's message. |
| Emergency Preparedness: Public toilets are essential for safety and well-being during emergencies or unexpected situations. |
| Visitor Experience: Clean and well-maintained toilets contribute to a positive overall visitor experience. |
| Support for Local Businesses: Nearby businesses benefit when attendees have access to restroom facilities. |
| Health and Hygiene: Proper sanitation reduces the risk of unsanitary conditions and disease transmission. |
| City Image: Hosting events with accessible public facilities enhances the city's image and reputation. |
| Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with restroom facility regulations is essential for event permits and success. |