A most useful tricycle

A recumbent trike suitable for commuting, recreational riding or touring. Provides stability for those unable to balance on a two-wheel bike. Can be steered by persons who do not have two strong arms or who lack grip strength. Can be connected in tandem with other Greenways, allowing persons who cannot ride safely by themselves to be conducted through traffic. Plans include three different versions of width and cargo capacity. Owner-built jackshaft creates two-wheel drive plus compound gearing, the transmission driving standard off-the-shelf bike wheels.  Complexity: 'Simple'. Chain-drive only. Small/compact version has 16"/20" wheels.

The Greenway was originally, and is again, a sport-and-utility recumbent trike. More than just a trike, it is a proven vehicle configuration. It has the ability to take on all kinds of errands and activities, having something like 5 cubic feet of room available for your groceries or touring gear. One bicycle reviewer wrote that the metal-framed ancestor of the wooden Simple model was "(the) most useful bike/trike I have ever had...”. Those early Greenways crossed North America coast-to-coast and even circumnavigated the lower 48 US states. 

In all configurations it is efficient. Stability is created by having the rider’s center of weight close to the wide end of the stance triangle, a geometry that does not demand a dramatic lowering of the seat as is the case with many tadpole trike designs, which unavoidably put the rider’s center of weight at the narrow end of the triangle. The three-wheel stance of the Greenway is stable on loose gravel, packed snow or glare ice, making it a competent winter commuter. 

The transmission can be installed as 1-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive. The 2-wheel drive can be set up to be selectable, since an infrequent need for 2-wheel drive traction makes it feasible to operate most of the time in 1-wheel drive, which allows a tighter turning radius.

The transmission provides compound-low gearing for hill-climbing torque, and selectable 2-wheel-drive for traction and predictable weighting of the front wheel in sand, gravel, mud and snow, and on steep climbs. You can outfit it as a 1X multi-gear; this will be paired to a rear drive which provides a ‘granny gear’. There is no room for a front derailleur post. It can accept an internal-gear rear hub built into a wire-spoke wheel. 

The Greenway is designed to accept the owner-built all-weather Aerojacket shell (under redevelopment), which will strengthen its abilities as an all-year conveyance.

Many of the ancestral Greenways  the enjoyed the partial protection from rain and cold, and the marginally improved aerodynamics provided by front fairings. 

Minimum stable width is over 36”, at which width the standard Greenway will not pass through a residential doorway (see the more compact/narrower S-version for a sub-doorway-width urban trike). Fits riders 5’ to 6’4” (1.5m to 1.9m). Rear wheels 26”, front 20”, with enough frame room for 3” wide tires. Overall length is 96” (  cm). You can stand it on its rear end for storage, with or without added bracketry, and it will fit under an 8’ ceiling. Weight varies a great deal with choice of framing wood, wheelset and cargo boxing; the Greenway may weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. 

Three-wheel stability greatly improves the sightseeing experience when touring; you don’t have to constantly scan for small road hazards as you do on a two-wheeler (hitting a pavement seam, grate, pothole or cobble can topple a two-wheeler), and consequently you will see a lot more details of the environment you are passing through. If you must at times, you can put the outside rear wheel off the pavement into the roadside gravel or grass, without losing control or bleeding off much of your speed.

Like all larger trikes, the Greenway presents a substantial visual “road presence”, an image which is emphasized by its relatively tall seating for the driver (same as that of a compact car); we have learned over the years that automobile drivers (who may crowd a bike) tend to give our trikes a lot more room when passing. 

This is a widened and thus stability-enhanced version of the Greenway trike for persons who have little or no ability to balance. The R version also serves very heavy individuals. Best fits persons 5'2" to 6'6" (  cm). 

A lengthened-wheelbase version of the Greenway trike with expanded cargo space. Weighs only marginally more than standard configuration Greenway. The C version is wider than standard configuration to maintain stability with its longer wheelbase. Best fits persons 5'2" to 6'6" (  cm). This cycle can be used as a courier, suitable for light deliveries. 

A cargo version of the recumbent trike. This transporter trike best fits persons 5'2" to 6'6" (  cm). The T version is built wider than the standard configuration in order to maintain stability with its longer wheelbase. Flat-top fenders support oversize cargo. Stability is good, and increases with heavy loads.

A small/compact version of the delta trike. Best fits persons 4'8" to 5'10"/140cm to 175cm. The 32" overall width will fit through residential exterior doorways. At this width and seat height it is very stable. This sprightly recumbent trike is nimble, and can maneuver in hallways and pedestrian environments. The S version takes up less space in all environments, and can be parked or stored standing on its rear end. It is suitable for commuting, recreational riding or touring. The S version provides a high degree of stability for those unable to balance on a two-wheel bike or feel stable on a conventional upright trike. Can be steered by persons who do not have two strong arms or who lack grip strength. 16"/20" wheels. Fits on racks and in vehicles more easily than does the full size Greenway. Will accept a trimmed down version of the all-weather Aerojacket.