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Since a young age I have cycled. I find that it is es-sential mode of transport and constent source of en-joyment. I started riding trials when I was very young which led to an interest in specialised areas such as downhill and jump biking. then when I moved to Bristol I bought a road bike and became interested in the culutre that surounds it. I now always cycle to and from uni as I can not afford to run a car and sometimes cycle on weekends.

Last term I was living in Gent, Belgium and observed how everyone cycled! There were bikes everywhere, everywhere! The city offered free bike tools to stu-dents which made it easy for me tune and maintain my bike. They also ran workshops and add campaigns to promote cycling.

From this I realised that the UK is bad at promoting cycling as a viable source of transport. The govern-ment have also increased the budget for cycle scheme imporovment, improved inferstructures and change in opinion of cycling verses driving.I think that cycling in the UK will undergo a large change in the next ten years and move from primari-ly being a sport/transport method used by bike geeks to something everyone will use. It is a green and cost effective mode of transport and lets comuters beat the rush hour trafic.

therefore I want to focus on imporivng cycling. I have previous knowledge of cycling and how bikes work. I am going to research how collaborative con-sumption can aid and promote cycling in the UK.

Based on cycle expereince there are three areas that I am going to research:1. Cycle sharing or hiring in cities.2. How people can fix their bikes on a budget3. How to promote cycling

I am going to do this by trying out cycle share schemes and interview existing cycle projects and tool share schemes. If I find a problem I will test it through surveying and cycle forum posts.

Cycling.. A start

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Barclays Cycle Hire (or Boris Bikes) is a public bicycle sharing scheme in London. The scheme is contracted to and operated by Serco Group, and carries the name and distinctive colours of Barclays Bank which purchased the right to advertise in this way for a contribution of £25 million spread over five years (18% of the scheme’s initial cost) to the project’s funding. Recent customer research showed that 49 per cent of Barclays Cycle Hire members say that the scheme has prompted them to start cycling in London. During the 2012 Olympic Games, a re-cord of 47,105 cycle hires were made in a single day. Within six months of launch in 2010, 2 million trips were taken.

The Independent published facts about the cycle hire scheme and showed that within one year of launch:• Seven million miles have been cycled• 100000 people have signed up• 3566 bikes (30 per day) have had to be repaired• 180 bikes have been vandalised• 10 bikes have been stolen

These figures show the success of collaborative consumption and cycling. The fact that only 10 bikes have been stolen and a relatively small number van-dalised shows that people can be trusted.

I felt it was important to try the Boris Bikes out for myself so with a few mates we hired bikes and set out on a tourist trip of London. Initially my impressions were very negative as the bikes were very hard to hire. The machines were confusing, temperamental and would not take some people’s credit cards. The bike locking systems were also confusing and the cost of hiring a bike for one day was quiet high and we payed £3 for a 1 hour ride! But on a positive note the bikes were all in good condition and easy to ride. However, I still prefer to use my own bike so maybe I need to focus on tool sharing for cyclists as cycle share schemes have been done well already.

Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme

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Q. Can you tell me a little about what you do?Henry. The Bristol Bike Project is a cycle work shop and helps the community by giving bikes to people that cannot afford one and helps people get their own fixed. We provide general workshop facilities for public such as a bike kitchen and mechanics educa-tion facility. So we basically get old bikes on the road.

Q. Are there other projects in other cities?H. There are many different bike projects in other cities but all offer slightly different facilities depend-ing on funding. We are one of the bigger facilities.

Q. I think their should be more projects like this and free tools banks in the centre of Bris-tol. What do you think of having free bike tools for the community?H. I thinks the idea of putting free stuff and tools in the cities is a good idea. I believes that tools or ob-jects that people can interact with are essential for the community like the pianos at Temple Meads. People would use a bike tool stand but would need some guides, instructions and diagrams. I could see something like this working.

Q. Would an instruction app help people?H. An app would help but it would make it elitist as not everyone has a smartphone. People who are ‘in need’ (asylum seekers, homeless..) do not have access to a smart phones and they are the people that will use this kind of service. A commenting system would be good and people might donate tools to the project. Q. Is there is a demand for this kind of service?There is a demand for this kind of service. People already come to the Bristol Bike Project to borrow tools and seek advice. We let people use tools for free or sometimes a small charge. You should come to our Bike Kitchen on Thursday evening; it is open to community and allows people to use tools for free.

Interview with Bristol Bike Project

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Q. Hi Ryan, can you describe what do you do?Ryan. Hi, I am the workshop manager at Roll for the Soul, Bristol. I fix things!

Q. Do you think Bristol cyclists would benefit from a tool stand that would enable them to fix their bikes for free?Ryan. The shop is actually in the process of trying to get a small selection of basic bike tools outside of the café that would be free for the public. I would be willing to work with you and get behind the idea and maybe provide tools. I could help with the design as I am interested in keeping it local.

Q. What features should the tool station have?R. I think that a pump encased in a steel bollard with a flexible hose covered in metal sheath (or shower hose style) coupled with a work stand would be great for the community. It would have to be tough so people do not kick it over. You would need spanners, allen keys, wrenches, hex... the basics. A stand would be good maybe with bench.

Q. Why do you think this is a good idea?R. There is a gap in the market because not many people are making them in the UK. Our tool stand would ideally promote our business and workshop because the public might not be able to fix their bike or need to buy a spare part. Or if they get stuck they can pop up to the workshop and ask me for advice or pay to have it fixed.

Q. Where should tool stands be located?R. It would be great if free tools were located at bike stands or stations.

Q. How would you get funding?R. Roll for the Soul was funded partly funded by The Local Sustainable Transport Foundation (LSTF) and crowd funding. The LSTF provided £40,000 which has covered about 1/3 of our funding. It would be worth approaching them with your idea.There is money available for cycle projects and Bris-tol Council would probable help with funding.

Interview with Roll for the Soul

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Roll for the Soul is a not-for-profit bike café for Bristol. Their vision is to become the focal point for cycling in the city, celebrating and supporting every wonderful aspect of the cycling culture. Roll for the Soul is for Bristol cyclists, by Bristol cyclists, but they also work hard to attract folks who’ve yet to discover the joy of two wheels so that we can show them what they’re missing. Roll for the Soul has a cafe and workshop side by side which allows the comunity to

get a good feed, a quality coffee, and get bike fixed up all at the same time.

I tracked down the manager of the cafe who was named Rob. He was a bit busy with coffee orders but commented, “we are about to get a cycle stand and tools to go outside the shop under the arch. You can buy one off the shelf but it is a bit shit and expensive. The council helped with funding.”

About Roll for the Soul

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The interviews with Bristol Bike Project and Roll for the Soul have identified that there is demand for bike tools and technical know how. I have identified that there is a problem with people not being able to access bike tools. The demand covers people with real problems to the average commuter in need of a quick fix on the way home.

I therefore propose a free bike tools scheme that allows people to get together and use free to tools whilst sharing knowledge of how to do things. I am not sure if this is the correct solution to the problem so I need to conduct further research.

Bike tools...

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My brother, Joe, is a keen cyclists and architect/en-gineer. He is an experienced bike mechanic and has built a few bikes. He raised the issue that many young professionals and students cannot afford to repair bikes due to strict budgets. Many people have the knowledge of how to repair their bikes but do not have the tools available. Bike tools are very expen-sive and bike shops frequently overcharge for simple repairs. Whilst buying a bike can be very cheap, maintaining a bike can be very expensive and leads to many bikes rusting in gardens/garages or just lying around for months with punctured wheels.

Some universities like UWE offer bike repair services but they just are not there when you need them. He suggested a open access bike stand and tools located in a public area would solve this problem. This would allow many people to fix their bikes for free or stop on the way home to tweak, adjust or emergency fix their bikes.

Last week I had a puncture at UWE, Bower Ashton campus and there were no tools or any one around to help me repair the inner tube. I had to walk back in the rain. It sucked! However, if there had been a toolbox around I would have been able to repair it.

Yesterday I rode over a broken glass bottle in the centre of town and got another flat tyre! As I was far from home (and the tools needed to fix it) I walked to a bike shop and asked if I could use some tools to fix the puncture. They said that the did not lend tools out but could fix it for £10 and I could collect it in a hour. This is a high price for a inner tube that costs £3 to buy and 5 minutes to fix. I ended up buying spanner for £2, an inner tube for £3.50 and tyre le-ver for 50p. I fixed it in 5 minutes and only ended up spending £6. However, this is still a large price to pay for a simple puncture fix. I appreciate that bike shops need to make money but, on my student budget, I cannot afford to spend £10 repairing a puncture or buying tools every time I break down. I think bike shops should offer easy fixes at cheaper prices and charge more for more serious malfunctions.

Free bike tools..

Through discussions with a group of cyclists on the train and in the street I think a free cycle tool stand could help solve this problem. They mentioned that it would promote the sharing of tools and knowledge between cyclists.

Now I have a basic plan I need further research to prove my solution will work and that it is needed. I am going to post my proposal on some bike forums and create a questionnaire for people to fill out. I will then analyse the results to clarify if that there is a problem and that this is the correct solution.

To further my research I went to the centre of Bristol to have a chat with everyday cyclists and see what problems they had. This research showed that people had problems with not enough bike lock areas, the need for bike highways around the city and a few people with broken bikes.

Through a previous course project based at the Fountains area in Bristol city centre I noticed that I high volume of cyclists pass at rush hour. So I went to observe and interview cyclists that passed through the area between 17:30 and 18:00. Over 23 minutes I counted 140 cyclists pass me with 8 walking bikes. I had a chat with the cyclists walking and noted that 4 couldn’t be bothered to cycle but the other 4 had bike problems. The problems were: misaligned front brakes, puncture, puncture, and broken bottom bracket. All of these could be easily fixed with basic tools but there were none to hand. This research has shown that there is a demand for my concept of a bike tool stand.

Observations/research

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Location:Bristol, The Fountains51° 27’ 10.2960’’ N

Time17:30 - 17:53

23 minutes:140 cyclists passed

Results

4 broken bikes

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puncture

broken front brake pad

puncture

BB problem

walking

walking

can’t be bothered to cycle

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Free bike tools stands already exist and are bing sold by an American company for $1000. I am going to develop these existing products into a scheme that lets people share tools and also knowledge of how to fix bikes. The main problems with existing bike tool stands is that they are very expensive and do not teach people what to do. Therefore I am going to design a scheme that promotes cycling. My research showed that a possible solution would be to use the tools stands as a base for teaching people how to fix bikes. This could be through events, offers and promotions. This page shows examples of existing products and bike projects.

Market research

Design

The bike mechanic at Roll For the Soul cycle cafe has offered to help with the design on the tool and stand and suggested that he would donate tools.

I plan to work from existing products and con-sumer research to design a new bike stand. The main problems with these cycle fix stations is that they are very expensive to produce and only have the basic selection of tools. The mechanic suggested that you probably do not need a bike stand and you could just have a selection of tools. This would dramatically reduce the production cost allowing more fix stations to be installed.

My design will also incorporate a tool donation box that will be used to help create the next cycle stands.I think the tool stand needs to be part of something bigger, so I need to have advertising that promotes something like cycle nights where people will be advised to donate unwanted tools and showed that collaborative consumption is the way forward.

I plan to design a smaller stand with more tools.The designs will use existing street furniture to make it cheaper to produce. For example pumps could be placed inside bollards.

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parkabike.com | P: 800 630-7225 | info@parkabike.com

High Security Bike Pump - 141134Specs

Stainless Steel

Heavy duty stainless outer casingCut-resistant air hose

Surface Mount Bolts to concrete with 3/8” anchorsNote: this unit is to be mounted to concrete only.

NOTE: These setbacks are for the high security bike pump and work stand when installed together

Public Work StandWalls or Object Setbacks: Minimum 48”Parallel Wall Setbacks: Minimum 12”Perpendicular Street Setbacks: Minimum 60”Parallel Street Setbacks: Minimum 96”*These are our suggested minimal clearances

High Security Bike PumpMount in line with the flange for the Work Stand maximum 6” away.

FINISH

MATERIALS

MOUNTING

MINIMAL SPACE USE RECOMMENDATION

61 cm

122 cm 122 cm30.5 cm 30.5 cm

152.4 cm

The images and information herein are the sole property of Park a Bike, Inc. and any reproduction in part or in whole without prior written consent of Park a Bike, Inc. is strictly prohibited

BP-MK-HSBP-CS.CL.0113.RevB

parkabike.com | P: 800 630-7225 | info@parkabike.com

Public Work Stand - 111110Specs

UV Resistant Powder Coat (custom colors available)Stainless SteelGalvanized Steel

Thick-walled DOM tubingTIG welded to laser-cut steelStainless steel aircraft cable

Surface Mount Bolts to concrete with 3/8” anchorsNote: this unit is to be mounted to concrete only.

NOTE: These setbacks are for the bike pump and work stand when installed together

Public Work StandWalls or Object Setbacks: Minimum 48”Parallel Wall Setbacks: Minimum 12”Perpendicular Street Setbacks: Minimum 60”Parallel Street Setbacks: Minimum 96”*These are our suggested minimal clearances

Public Bike Pump or High Security Bike PumpMount in-line with the flange for the Work Stand maximum 6” away.

FINISH

MATERIALS

MOUNTING

MINIMAL SPACE USE RECOMMENDATION

Added cabled tools are available

61 cm

122 cm 122 cm30.5 cm 30.5 cm

152.4 cm

The images and information herein are the sole property of Park a Bike, Inc. and any reproduction in part or in whole without prior written consent of Park a Bike, Inc. is strictly prohibited

BP-MK-PWS-CS.CL.0113.RevB

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Survey Research

Contents:

Forum_01 3~5Forum_02 6~7Survey_01 8~9Survey_02 10~11Email 12~13Evaluation 14

Cycle Chat forum. Post_01http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/free-bike-tools.141761/

Me - sam45dawI am currently working on a university project based around getting towns and cites to provide free bike tools for everyone to use.I feel that free bike tools are essential for getting everyone out of cars and onto two wheels. I was wondering if you could please fill out this survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q5VKTQMIt only takes a minute as it all Yes/No answers..

nappadangDone

Bealz998Done

SalukiI have done the survey but think that any free bike tools, unless seriously chained up would get nicked before the end of the first day.

BooyaaDone, I echo the comments above but I assume you mean the use of a workshop and tools will be provided.

Hill WimpSam just out of interest how many other cyclists did you ask in order to form the opinion you have about providing bike tools is essential for getting people out of cars? I only ask because if you were to have posed the question on here as to what did we believe would get people out of their cars and onto bikes i don’t think free tools would have ever arisen. Don’t forget the majority of us are car drivers too.Might be an idea to start another thread with that question to see if your belief is correct before you pin your colours to the mast in your project. It would bolster your research and may earn you more points too.Good luck with it though :thumbsup:

FfoegDone

RedrazDone ^_^

ianraukAlready happening in London. Do it!

deptfordmarmosetOoh, great, I haven’t seen that.

The Snailgreat 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 cyclistsstruggle to mend a puncture

Phaeton:headshake

ianraukWhat’s with the head shake?You don’t think it’s a good idea?

ianraukWell having the tools available will at least encourage some tohave a go themselves.

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

Me - sam45dawThanks 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. A bike stand will be bolted the floor and basic tools will be chained up to it. The design will be hard to vandalise.

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.

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. 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). 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? AndyMortlock(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!

Moss ComuterAt work we have a bicycle tool kit and it is regularly out on loanEDIT: There is a track pump chained to the bicycle racks outside, too

Red cardI 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.

PhaetonI 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.

ianraukIt’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?

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

Trampy joeI think it’s a blooming good idea. Survey done.

CTC national cycling charity. Post_02http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=80701

MeI am currently working on a university project based around getting towns and cites to provide free bike tools for everyone to use.I was wondering if you could please fill out this survey to aid my research an proposal to Bristol Council:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WFGDG63

This is my idea for the proposal of free bike tools:A bike stand will be bolted the floor and basic tools will be chained up to it. The design will be hard to vandalise. 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. 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. 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). 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?

SiErgonomically it sounds like a nightmare....for the variety of bikes we have out on the roads today you are going to need loads of different tools, each attached somehow to a secure anchor...the attachments will probably make many difficult to use. Personally I’d rather see any funding put into giving people proper maintenance courses and the use of pro tools there for big jobs, or a subsidy towards them getting an on the bike tool kit to take with them.

Dynamite_funkHow about an open workshop which operates from say 7am to 9pm which you need to book a place in? Good luck with the project, I would however, take CTC member advice on here and maybe look at

a serious rethink after you get a few responses. Asking the question to peopl ein the know is a great first step. The pump/bollard thing sounds good though! 8)

[XAP]BobI would also look at an open workshop as more practical.There are a good number of local bike shops - some of those would be in a good place to have an “extra” workshop somewhere. Given a low enough rate from the council they might even compete to run it - it would certainly be a good trade opportunity.

AdamMortlockI think it sounds good! I don’t commute so for me I could not be much use in giving useful information but like I said in my reply, If I was riding past and felt the need to pump tyres up or something quick ( because am probably in a rush if I am commuting ) then I would stop and sort the issue.Is this Alan by any chance?

SqueezeboxWhen cycling in Holland recently, I came across a number of places where there was air available for cyclists. In Amsterdam there is a permanent compressed air pump just by the station and many of the campsites had a pump next to the toilet block. Unfortunatly I dont need to use these things as I never get a puncture :lol: or flat tyre :lol: :lol:

Sooper8Sharing things??? This is outrageous. It would save valuable material resources and the need for people to spend money for items that are unused for 99% of the time.This dangerous vision of the future where people cooperate and are altruistic is never going to catch on, it has a vague whiff of socialism about it...Ownership and private property is the way to go...and as for ‘doing this kind of thing in Holland’ - well, they would wouldn’t they?- they are all a bit like that on the continent, having good ideas etc- it just proves the point that we need to besuspiciousof it...

Survey_01 [30 people]http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q5VKTQM

Do you own a Bicycle?Yes 100%No 0%

Do you carry tools when cycling?Yes 83.33%No 6.67%Sometimes on longer rides 10%

Do you have access to tools to fix your bike?Yes 82.76%No 3.45%Only basic tools 13.79%

Would you go to a bike shop to repair a puncture?Yes 3.33%No 96.67%

Do you think that cyclists should have access to free bike tools intheir local area? This would consist of a bike stand, selection of tools and tutorial posters.Yes 66.67%No 33.33%

Comments// Communal tools would be misused and wear out fast at considerable replacement cost. Better make basic tools available cheaply in conjunc-tion with availability of maintenance training courses.

// Would encourage more to fix their own bikes.

// Bike stand, spanners, multi tool, stuff to get me home. It would be cool if people could sit around and chat whilst fixing their bikesIcan’t imagine it has any influence on cycling. novelty idea only// Would be handy in an emergency, but I don’t think it would have much impact on people taking up cycling

// Those that are time-poor can use the LBS, those that are simply poor are stuffed because getting adequate tools for the job can be very expensive and these tools are likely to only have very limited use. And for all who have access to free tools, the increased sense of competence leads to a greater independence. Better than the bike left, for want of a fettle, to rust out the back.

// I think there are higher priorities (infrastructure/cycle lanes). Some track pumps at cycle parking areas might be good, but not convinced there’s a huge need for everyday tools (spanners etc)

// There are many cyclists/people who ride bikes who can’t undertake basic bike repairs themselves. Having simple ‘learning by doing’ repair courses will take the ‘fear’ element out of doing your own repairs.

// I would like access to some of the really specialised tools.

// Yes definitely.. If people are meant to cycle more then councils should provide the tools. Bike shops are to expensive!

// I might not need them, it all depends what they are and where

// Would depend on quality and availability

// Unlikely - maybe if I suffered a mechanical problem away from home

// Maybe, but I have my own.

// In a city I can see why a station of tools could help.

Survey_02 [32 people]http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WFGDG63

Do you own a Bicycle?Yes 87.50%No 12.50%

How many miles do you cycle a week?[0-2] 15.63%[2-5] 21.88%[5-10] 18.75%[10-15] 3.13%[20-25] 6.25%[25+] 34.38%

Do you own the tools to fix your bike?Yes 46.88%No 53.13%

Do you carry tools when cycling?Yes 43.33%No 56.67%

Should towns/cities should provide free to tools for cyclists?Yes 75%No 9.38%Maybe 15.63%

If you own smartphone do you use any cycling related apps?Yes 34.38%No 40.63%I do not own a smart phone 25%

Would you consider sharing your bike tools with other cyclists?Yes 64.29%No 35.71%

If your bicycle breaks how would you fix it?// Find some tools local to the breakdown and repair it, public transport// Bike kitchen in Bristol. Free and gets the community together// Duno// Fix it myself or at shop if shit hits the fan// Shop.. i can fix a puncture or get a pal to do somethings//At home or at the bike shop//Go to the bike shop or try and get a mate to do it// Myself if minor fault; at a local bike shop if not with the tools I carry// Depends what breaks, fix it, buy new part etc// With my own tools, selected with years of experience// If commuting i dont carry tools and would be screwed...// Either get it home or to an lbs (local bike shop)// Do it myself unless something really major (never happened yet)// properly.

Would you consider sharing your bike tools with other cyclists?// I would assist a fellow cyclist using my tools.// I would stop to help someone - assuming I had time.// Only if they had a high level of skill// Not “my” bike tool, but I would use shared bike tools if it was accessible, if a biking past a station of tools and I saw there was a pump and I needed my types pumping up, I wouldn’t say no.// Basic ones yes but novices can wreck expensive tools DAHIKT

What cycle apps do you use?// Mapmyride, Strava// Google Maps or something, Is this Alan btw?// Strava - mostly just for interest

Email with Jacob Gibbins

The following is a transcript of emails between myself andJacob Gibbins, a cyclist and cyle journalist/photographer atWide Open Magazine.

Sam Daw - Oct 17Hi Jacob

My friend Josh Westhead passed on your email..I am a graphic design student at UWE, Bristol in the final year of my degree. I am currently working on a project around bikes and free tools for communities and wondering if I could have a quick chat toaid my research?

Sweet work for http://wideopenmag.co.uk.. I just had a flick through, I really like the mag and idea!

All the bestSam

Jacob Gibbins - Oct 17Hey man

Yeah no worries what do you want to know ?

If you just want to ask me some questions either add me on facebook or send over some questions and I will fill them in asap.Thanks

Sam Daw - Oct 17Hey Jacob

So I am working on project based around sharing and bikes!!! My current plan is to place a bike stand with a pump and tools attached in public areas in the city. The tools would be chained on and heavy duty so they would be hard to vandalise/steal. The tools will be free for everyone to use and accompanied by basic tutorial posters.

I want to create a project that will promote the use of tool sharing (as against owning) and bring people together to share the knowledge of how to fix things. The project will help out those you can not afford tools or need a quick fix on the way home.

There will also be one night a week where a technician will be on hand to help out.. In my mind i see people getting a beer after work and hanging out fixing bikes using shared tools and just chatting about their bikes..

What do you think of this idea? (Positives, negatives, ways to improve it, would you use it...)

Thank you for your time buddy

Jacob Gibbins - Oct 17Love the idea, more cities need people like you trying to get stuff like this done.

Positives are all mentioned by you, down sides are the fact people will want to vandalise it. Sad but true.

Whistler ( bike heaven ) in BC, Canada have stations like this around the resort, by the main lifts, down in town in the main square.

and A frame with every tool you would ever need attached on by locking nuts and steel wire, being a very pro bike place they dont seem to come up against much vandalism but im not sure the same would be said for here, but maybe worth looking in to there and what they did.

All the tools where the same make and im sure that you could get park tool or unior tools to sponsor the project for some logo placement on the posters etc ?

If you need any photos or video should this project ever come to light let me know.

Evaluation

ForumsThe forum posts enabled me to get the feedback on my ideas from a very experienced group of bike enthusiasts. They are not the perfect target audience, as they will all have access to their own professional tools at home but I wanted to learn form their cycle experience.

Post_01This forum post showed that the tools would need to be chained up and that people might gather at the tools and share knowledge of how to use them. Tools would need to be located in a large number of areas meaning that they would have to cheap to produce but they still need to be durable to withstand constant use. I initially asked the wrong question, which swayed some answers, but a majority think it is a good idea but still needs some work.

Post_02This forum post showed that there would need to be a tools in many locations especially pumps. People would rather see proper main-tenance courses and think weekly workshop nights would be more practical. I think my idea would work if I could combine the 24/7 free tool stands with workshop nights and demonstrations.The comment, “this is outrageous... ownership and private property is the way forward” shows that some cyclists have a little too much money and not really the target audience. It also shows how negative forum comments can be.

SurveysI asked friends, family, colleagues as well as random people from the Internet to fill out surveys on SurveyMonkey.com.The surveys showed that a majority thought a free tool scheme is a good idea. Seating areas and events would help people gather. The tools (inarticulacy track pumps at cycle parking) would be useful in an emer-gency. A large number of people taking surveys cycled over twenty five miles a week but only half owned tools. This shows a need for people to collaboratively consume tools. A majority of people do not own smart phone. I am planning to produce an app to run along side the tools but this has shown that I also need to have printed material such as tutorial posters and flyers.

EmailThe cycle professional thinks there is a demand for a scheme like the one I proposed. This has given me confidence in the idea. It is par-ticularly interesting to find out that there are already similar schemes located in Whistler Bike Park, Canada and I plan to research this.

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1. The Idea2. Branding3. Animation4. App5. Stickers6. Poster7. Twitter

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[42]1. The Idea

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CYCLING INTRORiding a bicycle is a great way to improve your health, de-stress, travel cheaper and feel happier. These facts are helping to fuel a cycling revolution in the UK with more and more people taking to two wheels every day.

WHAT WE DOBike fix is here to help.We are a nation wide scheme to promote cycling in the UK through collaborative consumption of tools, and sharing of knowledge.

TOOL STANDThe project is centered around providing free tools for cyclists when and where they need them. We are installing tool stations in central areas in your city or comunity., that provide you with robust bike tools, bike stands, pumps, and tutorial posters, allow-ing you to easily fix your bike in a social enviroment.The tool stations will provide a friendly enviroment for people to fix there bikes.

Bollard pump a with a convenient facility to pump up deflated tyres.

As well as a an array of tools including allen keys, spanners, multi tools, it also features a All tools are secured with steel cabless designed to prevent theft whilest not impeeding tool use.

WHYWe give you bike tools where you need them, the knowledge of how to use them. Our goal is to make it easier for people to use their bikes a posative mode of transport. Reducing the need to purchase tools or carry them with you. It also remove the need for cyclists to cary bulky tooks and helping those on a tight budget.Removing the need to own expensive bike tools or spend unecessary money in bike shops.

The plan...

EVENT/SHARING/CONECTINGThe scheme runs weekly bike fix nights to give you the knowledge of how to fix your bike and allow you to conect with other cyclists. Sharing your own knowledge and tools..

The project will run weekly cycle surgery nights teaching people how to fix bikes as we strive for a sustainable future. This will bring people together encouraging the sharing of knowledge of cycling.

The project also runs surgery nights inviting cyclists to come and socialise share knowledge, tools and learn how to fix their bikes. The project can be hired by business to provide talks for small business..

APPThe Bike fix app will allow useres to:Easily locate there nearest tool station,Find the next cycle event,View tutorials and upload share your own,Connect with other cyclists,And for more serious bike problems, find a bike shop

FINISHStarting from the Bristol the scheme will role out across the country until cyclists will be able to access free tools in every city.

Coming soon to a city near you

@Biiikefix#biiikefix

[44]2. Branding

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Now that I have identified that there is a problem with cyclists breaking down and that free community tools located in central areas could help this, I need to produce the final outcome of the project. I plan to create a short animation to explain the project and why it is needed. I would hope that the animation would go viral and promote the product (however, doubt this will happen). I also want to create a busi-ness plan that clearly states the projects beliefs and strategy. Within this will be plans for branding guide lines, apps, website and what the tools will actually look like.

I am also going to decide on the brand position and aesthetic to visualise how the free bike tools would sit in the real world. I feel that the name is extremely important as it needs to describe to the average commuter that it’s a free tool service for cyclists, and be unusual/quirky enough to appeal to fixed gear kids or bike geeks. I hope that the project will get recognition in the niche cycle community and be advertised by word of mouth as a cool service. I also want it to become a meeting place for the ‘geek’ cycle community and allow the sharing of knowledge and tools between cyclists.

The name is essential, as it will give the initial brand position and first thing users see. Trying to find a name that rolls off the tongue whilst sitting in the equilibrium between ordinary/quirky has been giv-ing me a lot of heartache!

The list opposite has been compiled over a week based on suggestions from friends, family, random people and myself. It has been interesting to observe how older generations tend to suggest descriptive names such as ‘Public cycle fix kit’ whilst younger generations tend to suggest more inventive and quirkier names such as ‘fix 8’ (with the 8 becoming a bike and name being read as fixate). The highlighted options show my short list of potential names:

The following pages show branding development leading to two possible logos.

Public Work StandTool stationBike stationBike repair stationbike standtune upfix upcommunity bike toolscommunity toolbike toolsmart toolfix on the movecommunity bike fixcy cyclesigh-call toolbi bycycleOOfree toolfree4all bike toolbike tool [it’s free for all]fix-itworkshoppump itmulti toolpit stopbike stopbicycle fixbike tree public cycle fix kit (PCFK) PRK (public repair kit)peoples bike kitpump startfree bike kitfix 8 (8 becomes bike)cycle fixrepair/share/careshare and repair bike careFIX OO BIIIKEBiiiKE TOOLBiiiKE FIXBiiKE FIXcycle fixcycle surgery

Bike doctorBiciCyclerybike mechanicby-cycletwo wheels10 speedwalk in, wheel awaytwo wheelersfoolbikixfix it allcycle solutionadjustbike smithvelocipedecyfixlogi cyclelogic toolfix bikes and stuffcycle gizmoBris-tool

Name/logo/artwork

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BIKE TOOL

Bike Tool

B IKETOOL

Bike ToolBIKE TOOOL

BiiiKE TOOL

BiiiKE FIX

BiiiKE FIX

BiiiKE TOOL

BiiiKE TOOLCYCLERYFIX-8 OO

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I want to attrat a wide demographic of users but I am targeting an audience that is between 12 and 60 years of age. The branding needs to attract people who are not confident in fixing bikes.

Problems raised with existing bike projects is that they do not appeal to women. Bikes mechanics is commonly a male industry. Therfore the colour should appeal to both men and women.

Through asking friends and famikly

and the app design should nod towards the current trend of flat user interface (UI) design.

Colour

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BRISTO OL

Logo_01

TOOL

Clever name for a bike project in Bristol inspired by combining ‘Bristol’ and ‘Tool’. The o’s become the wheels for the bike. The logo illustrates that the pro-ject is based around bikes, tools and located in Bristol.It clearly defines the project but the problem with this name is that it is limited to Bristol and my vision is for a countrywide project. I would use this if the project was only going to be based in Bristol or the South West. The name is not registered and has a domain name available.

People have commented that the blue colour appears trustworthy but is too masculine advising the use of a green or turquoise as it appeals to all and is ‘on trend’.

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Logo_02

BiKE FIX

BICYCLE FIX

fix your bike for nothingBicycle fix. est 2013

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Logo_03

The name Bike fix helps to describe the project but it has already been taken. Therefore I have extended to have three i’s. The repeated i’s show people con-necting and sharing. They also are reminiscent of a bike wheel tread. Whilest it acts to explain and de-scribe the project it is also abstract and makes people inquisative. It also fits with other ‘cool’ bike projects like BÖIKZMÖIND and could attract the growing fixed gear cycle trend and comunity.

I have decided to use this logo as I think it is key to emphasize people conectinng. People have com-mented that they like this logo and colour and prefer it to others I have generated.

The box line acts to centre the logo and will be used as a feature in posters. The thickness of the line is half of the whtie space serounding the name. The white space inbetween the I and X is an arrowing moving forward showing the project is in motion.

Colour:R26, G188, B156C73, M0, Y53, K0

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Bristol’s first free community bike tool project. Stop and fix.

Thursday night bike surgery @ The Fountains 6-10pm beer and bikes

£

iii

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FREE

TOOLS

B IC

C

LEY

BiiiKE FIX is a cycling vision to

provide you with the tools and

training to fix your bike.

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[58]3. Anim

ation

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The script is designed to be read in around one and a half minutes. This is a good length for the animation as it is enough time for the concept to be explained whilst not boring the viewer.

The script contains multiple spaces so that the nar-rator reads at a desired rhythm and speed. The high-lighted text shows the narrator where she needs to emphasise words in order to keep to viewer’s atten-tion and show breaks. The script is split into sections but so I can explain it easily to the narrator.I have used (p) to indicate a large pause

INTRORiding a bicycle is a great way to improve your health, relax, travel cheaper and feel happier. These facts are helping to fuel a cycling revolution in the UK with more and more people taking to two wheels every day.

WHAT WE DOBike fix is a cycle charity that is here to help.We are a nation wide scheme to promote cycling in

The script

the UK through collaborative consumption of tools, and sharing of knowledge.

We provide you with the tools and training to fix your bike - for free!

TOOL STANDWe are installing tool stations in central areas in your local community that provide you with robust bike tools, bike stands, pumps, and tutorial posters. These allow you to easily fix your bike in a friendly and social environment.

WHYOur goal is to make it easier for people to use their bikes and reduce the need for you to purchase ex-pensive tools.

EVENT/SHARING/CONECTINGBike fix will run weekly events at the tools stations.During these social events our volunteers provide master classes on how to fix your bike.

They are also a great place to connect with other cyclists, share knowledge, eat, drink and have a laugh.

APPThe Bike fix app will allow you to:(p) Easily locate there nearest tool station,(p)Find the next cycle event,(p)Access a selection of easy to use tutorials.(p)Share your own tutorials(p)And Connect with other cyclists,

FINISHStarting from Bristol, the scheme will role out across the country until cyclists will be able to access free tools in every city.

Join us in providing a sustainable future.

Coming soon to a city near you

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Recording

The main part of the animation is the audio as it explains the project. I wanted to use a woman’s voice as it makes it makes the project less masculine. I have noticed that many cycle projects appear too mascu-line and women have commented that this has put them off cycling.

I asked a woman called Hannah to read the as I thought she was interesting to listen too and her unusual American/English accent captures people’s attention. She could also speak in a variety of accents including American, English and South African! She also enunciation her words which made the audio clear.

After playing the audio to fellow students, they com-mented that they were put off by the slight American accent and immediately picked up on the fact that the ‘UK’ is mentioned a few times and this did not fit with the accent. Luckily Hannah can do a nice ‘posh’ English accent so we re-recorded.

The audio was recorded on an Olympus voice recorder and studio microphone. I set up a basic recording studio using curtains and foam to absorb sound in order to reduce echo and background noise. I had to make sure that the lights were turned off so there was no background hum.

The audio was edited using Audition. Due to the car-ful set up of my makeshift recording studio I had to perform remarkably little editing. I initially removed the background noise and then mashed the audio together removing coughs and slight background noise. The waveforms show editing of the two differ-ent accents.

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LOGO splash screen Bicycle tools

HOMEmenu:1. Locate2. Tutorials3. Events4. Share5. Help6. About

MAPm [locate]Locate nearest BiiiKE FIX tools.

TUTORIALSHow to fix a puntcuture.How to inflate a tyre.Add tutorial video.Link. Full bicycle repair instructions::www.madegood.org

PUNCTURE1. remove wheel2.Insert tyre lever3. Remove tyre4. Locate puncture5. Patch puncture6. Refit inner tube7. Inflate!

MAP [locate] Locate nearest bike shop.

4. App

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INFLATE1. how to use pump

EVENTSList of current events.

Link to Facebook Events page and Twitter.

SHAREShare via Twitter or Facebook.

EVENTSDetials of event,Share buttons.

HELPHow to use app.

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This shows my development of the text content of how to fix a puncture. I want to make it as simple as possible by breaking it down into steps. The tutorial needs to long enough to explain what to do but short enough so people do not get put off. The tutorials will be developed to have illustrations.

I have approached Made Good tutorials to see if I could link to their data base and app of tutori-als.(http://www.madegood.org/) I am awaiting a response but I confident they will say yes.

1. Remove wheel from bike.3. Use tyre levers to your tool and repair pack (see next month for tips on what you should be carry-ing!). For this you'll need tyre levers, a spare inner tube and/or puncture repair kit and pump or CO2 inflator.Starting somewhere near the valve by a spoke (pushing the valve in to keep the tube out of the way) lever one of the beads over the rim with a tyre lever. Hook the lever round the spoke to stop the lever being flicked over the hedge. Work your way round the tyre with the other tyre levers and get one complete bead off - take care not to pinch the inner tube - you already have one puncture, so don't make it worse. 5. Take out the inner tube and inspect the tyre for anything poking through and remove any offending articles. (If you have a spare tube go to step 8....)You may need to repair the puncture on the spot - so you'll need to find the hole in the tube - it helps to inflate it slightly to hear/feel the air escaping. For very small punctures you may need to hold the partially inflated tube underwater (take care if you are canalside or hanging from the pier). Mark the tube with a couple of arrows pointing to the puncture if you can - otherwise keep hold of it.6. Roughen the area around the hole to remove the release compound and aid the adhesive (a good repair kit should have a small piece of sandpaper) - a thin layer of glue over an area larger than the patch you are going to apply with the puncture in the centre.7. The glue has to dry to be effective, so when it has apply the patch and push it on firmly. If your repair kit has any chalk, apply some to stop the tube stick-

ing to the tyre - the sandpaper is useful again in this instance. 8. Place the valve through the valve hole in the rim and feed the tube inside the tyre. Pack the tyre levers and other kit away - you'll only need the pump now. Fold the tyre back onto the rim - push the valve in to the tyre to keep the tube out of the way and allow the tyre to fit - taking care not to pinch the inner tube.9. Inflate partially and check the tyre bead is seated evenly around the rim - push it into place if neces-sary. 10. Fully inflate and replace the wheel.

This is the final script for the app: How to repair a puncture

1. Remove the wheel from the bike

2. Insert Tyre Levers Position the rounded end of the tyre lever under the bead and lever downwards. Hook the other end round the nearest spoke.

3. Remove the TyreWork around the tyre in short sections, pulling the tube out when it is free.

4. Locate PunctureLocate the hole by dunking the tube into water and remove any thorns, etc. from inside the tyre. Clean and dry the tube, and then apply a film of rubber solution.

5. Patch the PunctureWhen dry, remove the silver foil from the patch and smooth it into place. Then peel off the cover.

6. Refit Inner TubeFit the valve into the valve hole, keep the tube straight inside the tyre, then refit the tyre using your thumbs.

7. InflateInflate your tyre to the required pressure.

App Tutorials

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The about section needs to break the project down into its key features and how it can help..

Bike fix is a cycle charity that promotes cycling in the UK through collaborative consumption of tools, and sharing of knowledge. We provide you with the tools and training to fix your bike - for free!

Starting from Bristol, the scheme will role out across the country until cyclists will be able to access free tools in every city. Join us in providing a sustainable future.

Tool StationsWe are installing tool stations in central areas in your local community that provide you with robust bike tools, bike stands, pumps, and tutorial posters. These allow you to easily fix your bike in a friendly and social environment.

EventsBike fix will run weekly events at the tools stations.During these social events our volunteers provide master classes on how to fix your bike.

They are also a great place to connect with other cyclists, share knowledge, eat, drink and have a laugh.

AppThis Bike fix app will allow you to:Easily locate there nearest tool station.Find the next cycle event.Access a selection of easy to use tutorials.Share your own tutorials.Connect with other cyclists.

App - About section

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I have produced a selection of icons that will be used when the app is developed further. I think that icons are a great way of supporting the text content in presentation and improve the general look of the app.They also improve the user interaction and experi-ence with the app as they aid navigation.The icons will be used to describe, draw attention, increase readability and assist in navigation.

App - icons

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I recorded a promotional video to promote the app.The video is inspired by Apple advertising and consists of a white background and simply shows me using the app. It also links to the twitter page.The lighting was key as the background had to be the same brightness of the screen. I set up four lamps to reduce shadow and a camera mounted on a tripod.

The music has some fun funky music to make it interesting and fun to watch.

App - video

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The app was designed using Photoshop and Calvium App Furnace. I have produced an app that shows the navigation, design and basic features. I used Calvium App Furnace as it allowed me to test the app and user experience on my iPhone.

Whilst testing I gave the app to friends and watched how the navigated the app and what they thought was good/bad. This process of testing led to a well-designed app with a logical interface that is easy to use for most smart phone users.

The app allows users to:Easily locate there nearest tool station,Find the next cycle event,Access a selection of easy to use tutorials.Share tutorialsConnect with other cyclists.

Check out the video: http://vimeo.com/77744775

App Design

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[72]5. Stickers

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The project will be promoted through a sticker cam-paign, viral videos, app, posters, flyers and twitter.

I have chosen to have consistent branding with the box logo and minimal colour.

The advertising starts with stickers that have been placed on bike locking areas in Bristol. They display the logo and twitter link (@BiiiKE FIX. I think that the stickers are a great way to attract the target audience as cyclists everyday see them. The stickers are ‘on trend’ and I plan that when people see them they will be inquisitive about the name and twitter link. Then they will follow the @BiiiKE FIX twitter page, learn about the project and where the tools are located and turn up to the planned events.

The video gives a description about the project so people know what it is all about. Hopefully this will start the discussion about collaborative consumption of bicycle tools and knowledge of how to fix your bike. I would hope that this would get people talking and sharing the video which will in turn boost traf-fic to the twitter page making it easier to promote BiiiKE FIX events.

The app gives people the location of BiiiKE FIX tool stations, basic tutorials on how to fix their bike, and the next events. On the tool stations will be links to download the app, which people will probably download for the tutorials and then find out about the events.

The flyers and posters will be pasted in public areas with high levels of cycle trafic. They will also be dis-tributed at Bristol cycle events and from community centres. They will act as promotion for people who do not use social media.

The twitter page will help promote the project on the web. I have started re-blogging other cycle twitter pages in a attempt to gain a large twitter following to promote the idea.

Advertising BiiiKE FIX

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[76]6. Poster

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LAUNCH NIGHT_

BIKEMECHANICSMASTER CLASS_

THE FOUNTAINSBRISTOL_

SHARE @BiiiKEFIX

10_11_13+19:30

21:30

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@BiiiKEFIX

I have started a twitter page for BiiiKE FIX as it is a great way to connect with people.

It will be used as a diary allowing people to under-stand the project and get on board with events and volunteering/donations to the project. I will post all media on twitter and promote the BiiiKE FIX events. Also when people use the tool stations they will advised to promote the project on twitter (thanks @BiiiKE FIX for fixing my bike.. etc).This will help the project go viral and get people involved with sharing tools and knowledge.

The twitter page has a background in the brand colour and also features a logo.

Further reasons for using twitter:It helps give the brand a face to the logo and project. The twitter page will be a great place to connect with users and for people to give feedback.People will share with friends so they will want to get BiiiKE FIX involved in their city or community.It will help with marketing services, products, and events for free as. People will be able to follow the company and keep up the news. It will hopefully send the project viral!

The twitter page describes the project as “BiiiKE FIX is a cycling vision to provide you with the tools and training to fix your bike - for free! Coming soon to a city near you!”

Check it out at https://twitter.com/BiiiKEFIX7. Tw

itter

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[90]8. Conclusion

I think that I have answered the collaborative con-sumption brief in a logical manner, solving a problem with a suitable solution. I am pleased with the project.I hope that this module file shows you my working process from research to, development and imple-mentation of final designs.

The next stages of the project would be to fin-ish developing the app and apply for funding from relevant organisations. I think that the project could be pitched on kick-start or receive the majority of funding through crowd sourcing. I would also need to develop the tutorials and poster and add to the promotional video.

I estimate that each stand will cost £200 - £250 to produce and install which is vastly cheaper than exist-ing products on the market ($1000+ from America). I have found a company in Dorset that would weld the frames together and make the pump for under £100 if I order a minimum of 50 units. The cost of tools is around £75 and I estimate instillation cost at around £20-30. People have commented that they would love to get involved with volunteering to help run the project and few people have donated tools.

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