Pedal power keeps the reels turning
A movie screening near the banks of the Swan River in Guildford next month will be powered by human legs.
Fifteen bikes ridden by volunteers will generate power needed to project the film across Spring Reserve on March 10.
The system is the brainchild of physicist Jonathon Thwaites, who admits spending a lot of his time "making sustainable toys out of junk".
Mr Thwaites first built electricity-generating bikes "to give the kids something to do" at the University of WA's annual Sun Fair, where he was an organiser.
Their popularity grew and he ran his first pedal-powered movie night about two months ago. "A person's legs can generate 200 watts of electricity," he said.
"I use 15 bikes for the cinema, which is plenty. Volunteers pedal and, when they want to be replaced, they raise their arm and the next person takes over."
The Guildford movie night, hosted by Transition Town Guildford, is one of 29 events to share in $30,000 in grants as part of Bikeweek 2015, which runs from March 14 to 22. WestCycle chief executive Clint Shaw said Bikeweek would offer something for everyone.
"If you can pedal, then Bikeweek's for you," he said.
The movie night will show the feature film Bicycle. Entry will be by donation.
Information about Bikeweek events can be found at bikeweek.com.au
