Free bike tools

[ianrauk]

great facility that, but I can't see it having much impact on cycling numbers - most people taking up cycling wouldn't have the knowledge to use the tools -a surprisingly large number of keen cyclists struggle to mend a puncture

Well having the tools available will at least encourage some to have a go themselves.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Well having the tools available will at least encourage some to have a go themselves.

And if people gather where there are tools, knowledge will get shared.

 

[Sam45daw]

Thanks for the comments and taking part in my survey. It has been really helpful!
I think I need to explain the idea of the free bike tools a little better.

1. A bike stand will be bolted the floor and basic tools will be chained up to it. The design will be hard to vandalise.
2. A pump will be located nearby and be incased in a bollard . This will be hard to vandalise and would make use of existing street architecture.
3. The free tools will be located in public areas where there is a high volume of cycle traffic. This will help the average commuter who gets a puncture on the way home.
4. The free tools will be located near public seating and cultural areas. This will encourage people to get to together and share knowledge. (I imagine cyclic lists like us getting together after work, grab a beer, and help out fixing bikes and having a chat)
5. The free tools will link to a tutorial app that helps users will be encouraged comment and add there own tutorials in return for using tools.

I think we are in a revolution where people will stop consuming and start sharing things like tools.. I am designing a concept for a university projects and envisage this being rolled out across cities and towns in England. This would allow cyclists to travel and tour through the country without the need for expensive bike shops or to cary tools.

Would you guys use this?

 

[AdamMortlock]

Have you done other Questionnaires researching into the problem etc?
You seem to have more of a solution to something that might not be a problem? (As a cyclists and product design student I can see where you are coming from)
If you have already established this as a problem and a product need then am sure it will work out great!

 

[MossCommuter]

At work we have a bicycle tool kit and it is regularly out on loan

EDIT: There is a track pump chained to the bicycle racks outside, too

 

[redcard]

I think the flaw here is that people can't plan when their bike is going to need fixed, and the free tools are obviously going to be poorer quality than what you can buy in a shop for a tenner each.

If someone is going to be savvy enough to know there's a place where they can repair their bike, and has a pump and various other cycling-related gubbin, then they're going to be savvy enough to carry a spare tube.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

What's with the head shake?
You don't think it's a good idea?

I have a small seat bag, it contains tubes, levers, gas, allen keys, 3 spanners (I think) total cost less than £30 including the bag. Sorry I just think this is a really stupid idea, thought up by somebody in a council office who has money in a budget that has to be spent or they won't get it next year.

Alan...

 

[ianrauk]

I have a small seat bag, it contains tubes, levers, gas, allen keys, 3 spanners (I think) total cost less than £30 including the bag. Sorry I just think this is a really stupid idea, thought up by somebody in a council office who has money in a budget that has to be spent or they won't get it next year.

Alan...

It's very handy for the many thousand of cycling commuters in London. Yes we can carry our own selection of tools but a workstand with tools included, like the link in my post to the one above can only be a good thing for cyclists surely? Would you rather they spend the money on something less 'cycling' instead then actually doing something pro-cycing for a change? How is that stupid?

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Anything that provides a bit more encouragement for motorists to become cyclists is a good thing. It benefits everybody (including the remaining motorists).

 

[trampyjoe]

I think it's a blooming good idea. Survey done.

I'm liking the 'Pink pitstop' too.

 

[Davidc]

Not practical in the suggested form, but developed sensibly who knows where the idea leads.

 

[DCLane]

It's also happening in Leeds with the Pedlar's Arms.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

A lot of main line rail stations have a work stand and tools, along with a pump provided by network rail which can be quite useful at times.

This is the one at paddington.

They are made and maintained by cyclehoop which do some really cool stuff imho
http://www.cyclehoop.com

 

[Hill Wimp]

I think they are a great idea but the OP, correct me if i am wrong, seems to think that this idea, that is already out there and being used, will get people out of their cars and onto bikes. Sorry but i don't think this in itself will have any impact at all. Great for those that do cycle though.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Part of the reponsibilty of owning a bike is maintaining it, some people fix their own and others go to a dealer or local specialist. Likewise some people fix their own care while others take them to a garage.. I do not see it as being the responsibility of the community or local council to provide tools for either road user to maintain their chosen form of transport