Access
Access—the availability and affordability of different types of bicycles and availability of maintenance and repair shops—is critical for people to consider cycling as a viable transportation mode.
+ Read MoreReadily available bicycles should be suitable for commuting and other utilitarian trips (such as city and touring bicycles), and not just children’s and premium racing bicycles. Availability of bicycles for daily trips can be expanded to those who cannot or do not own a bicycle through affordable, well-integrated shared systems. Since new bicycles tend to carry a high upfront purchase cost, the availability of used options at affordable prices helps to expand bicycle access. Used markets should also extend to bicycle gear such as helmets, locks, lights, and replacement parts or tools, which can be expensive to purchase new.
Additionally, the availability of bicycle mechanics and affordable repair locations throughout the city enables access to cycling. Repair locations with mechanics who are well equipped with technical knowledge and resources like replacement parts to carry out high-quality bicycle repairs can help to prolong the lifespan of an individual’s bicycle. Convenient access to periodic bicycle maintenance like tune-ups can help minimize more serious maintenance issues that render the bicycle unusable (especially if replacement parts are not available).