It is enough to mention that the so-called halfbike is his idea in order to know that Martin Angelov is an innovator and lover of challenges. I like creating and making things around me simpler, he says and adds that he avoids being called inventor because of the pompous way it sounded. He graduated in architecture as this is the profession that always attracted him. "This is probably the desire for constructing, for creating,” he says and compares architecture to a palette of colors with unlimited potential.
"I love to walk untraveled roads and challenges,” Martin says. “I'd like to do a lot of different things and surprise myself. It is very pleasurable to see provoking people to look at things from a completely different perspective. It is great showing them there are various ways things around us could be changed.”
Martin is one of those people who do not wait for things to happen by themselves but searches for changes. He is keen on the idea of optimizing urban environment and a few years ago he launched an ambitious project entitled “Koleliniya" a line above the ground used by cyclists. According to Martin the idea is achievable.
“The project has evolved a lot. The system for bicycle routes above the ground is almost ready but it requires serious investments. We have reached a stage of development where it is possible to build 200-300 meter long lines. Recently we have presented a 40-meter line in Sofia, which was 3-4 meters above the ground. Of course the aim is to make everything absolutely safe. Riding a bicycle above the ground can be a truly adrenaline-raising experience. One of the founders of Google – Larry Page presented a similar idea related to bicycles at a Technology Entertainment and Design conference. It is possible that we contact the authors of the idea and hope to work together on a project.”
Martin has now focused entirely on another project related to cycling. It is called halfbike and the project is a joint one together with architect Mihail Klenov. The prototype is now ready and is entirely handmade from aluminum and wood, weighing just 8 kg. The idea was born years ago during a contest. Martin says that when people see the halfbike, they usually react as it was an alien of some kind. “We actually count on people’s curiosity. Riding this bike is a similar to jogging," says Martin. The bike is suitable for transport in cities with good cycling infrastructure. Another requirement is that the terrain should not be too steep as the half-bike is a single-speed bike. Riding it downhill, however, is very pleasurable as it reminds of skiing. 
What are the other advantages?
"It is compact and light, compared to other bicycles,” Martin says. “You can easily take it into public transport or put it in a wardrobe or closet. We plan to make the bike even more foldable, so than one easily puts it into the trunk of their car. We are not trying to compete against standard bicycles but it is just another convenient way of transport.”
The news of this Bulgarian innovation has traveled beyond the borders of the country and attracted interest. Reuters had an interview with the inventors and Discovery has also expressed readiness to send a team to shoot the "halfbike" and its creators. The project has also received the support of online sponsorship platform Kickstarter. So far 60% of the resources needed for the production of the first series of a hundred halfbikes have been provided. The architects want to produce the new bike in Bulgaria and hope it will hit the streets by this summer.
English version: Alexander Markov
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