Cyclehoop(TM)

What do you think of these?

www.cyclehoop.com

8/8/09:

First reactions:

Neat upgrade to a street-sign pole, which otherwise allows
a bike to slide down and become an extended obstacle
and/or trip hazard.

I wouldn't like to see it as an excuse for using cheap poles
with hoops instead of Sheffield Stands.  The latter are
sturdier and should be a better long-term investment.

8/8/09:

interesting, cute and simple design to improve what cyclists have been locking bikes to already. But it won't increase cycle parking capacity at all.
The best thing about it is preventing bikes from slipping down and getting damaged as well as causing an obstruction to pedestrians. But I wonder if that one function could be economically provided by either:
 - a simpler crossbar (like gas lamp ladder rests, only lower down)
 - or ground rail or groove, parallel to the kerb to rest the wheels along?

While on the discussion, what do you think of these other ones:
http://www.ribbonrack.net/
http://www.dero.com/products/bike_hitch/bike_hitch.html
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeracks_circle.htm
http://www.creativepipe.com/horseshoe_rack.htm
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/10-finalists-picked-in-bike-rack-contest/

And if you just can't get enough pictures of bike racks ;-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/bikerack/show/

10/8/09:

I think they look quite useful. They might help stop the bike sliding down by supporting it a bit to the front & back of the pole (if it's supported at one point only, it'll easily start turning, & then fall).

13/8/09: James Leahy:

They could be useful for designating where it is appropriate to park a bike to a pole. In many cases bikes parked to poles block the footpath for pedestrians etc.