BU promotes pedal power

BOSTON. As the green movement gains momentum, the benefits of solar and wind power have become everyday topics. But what about human power?

That’s what Boston University is exploring, with a “pedalathon” on an energy-producing stationary bike taking center stage yesterday at the School of Education.

The premise was simple. A bike affixed to a friction-capturing machine transferred energy to a 12-volt battery, which powered a laptop computer, a stereo and a hot plate.

The message could have lasting effects.

“It gets people thinking,” said Professor Douglas Zook of the Science Education Program. “It makes us feel we should be on a more equal basis with the planet. Normally, we borrow [energy] from the planet, pay our bills and go on with life. It’s a drain, and a one-way street.”

While the Schwinn that visitors rode during the 14-hour event won’t solve global warming, it can’t hurt. There were no cords sucking energy from an outlet, no greenhouse gases being emitted and the bikers got quite a workout — all while pondering what human power could generate.

“It’s not something I’ve thought about myself,” said Ed Collins, a grad student in the Educational Media and Technology program. “Any little thing we can do will help.”

The event was just a demonstration, but the school’s fitness center is exploring the possibility of generating power from its roughly 200 cardio machines. For now, just planting the seed is important, according to Zook.

“It educates people. It builds humility,” he said. “People start thinking, ‘I am a partner with the planet.’”