| Utility cycling encompasses any cycling not | | | | available to many people. In richer |
| done primarily for fitness, recreation such | | | | countries, where people can have the choice |
| as cycle touring, or sport such as cycle | | | | of a mixture of transport types, a complex |
| racing, but simply as a means of transport. | | | | interplay of other factors influences the |
| It is the most common type of cycling in the | | | | level of bicycle use. In developed countries |
| world. In the Chinese city of Beijing alone, | | | | cycling has to compete with, and work with, |
| there are an estimated four million bicycles | | | | alternative transport modes: walking, public |
| in use (it has been estimated that in the | | | | transport of various sorts and the usually |
| early 1980s there were approximately 500 | | | | dominant private car use. Thus cycling levels |
| million cyclists in China). It generally | | | | are not influenced just by the attractiveness |
| involves travelling short and medium | | | | of cycling alone, but also by what makes the |
| distances (several kilometres). It includes | | | | competing modes more or less attractive. |
| commuting, going to school, high school or | | | | |
| college, making errands, and delivering goods | | | | In developed countries with high utility |
| or services. In cities, the bicycle courier | | | | cycling levels, utility cyclists tend to |
| is often a familiar feature, and freight | | | | undertake relatively short journeys. |
| bicycles are capable of competing with trucks | | | | According to Irish 1996 Census data, over 55% |
| and vans particularly where many small | | | | of cycling workers travelled 3 miles (4.8 km) |
| deliveries are required, especially in | | | | or less, 27% 5 miles (8 km) or less and only |
| congested areas. Velotaxis can also provide a | | | | 17% travelled more than 5 miles in their |
| public transport service like buses and | | | | daily commute. It can be argued that factors |
| taxicabs. | | | | that directly influence trip length or |
| | | | journey time are among the most important in |
| Utility bicycles have many standard features | | | | making cycling a competitive transport mode. |
| to enhance their usefulness and comfort. | | | | Car ownership rates can also be influential. |
| Chainguards and mudguards, or fenders, | | | | In New York City, more than half of all |
| protect clothes and moving parts from oil and | | | | households do not own a car (the figure is |
| spray. Kick stands help with parking. | | | | even higher in Manhattan, over 75%), and walk |
| Front-mounted wicker or steel baskets for | | | | bicycle modes of travel account for 21% of |
| carrying goods are often used. Trailers of | | | | all modes for trips in the city. |
| various types and load capacities may be | | | | |
| towed to greatly increase cargo capacity. | | | | Decisions taken by various levels of |
| Rear racks or carriers can be used to carry | | | | government, as well as local groups, |
| items such as school satchels. Panniers are | | | | residents' organisations and public- and |
| useful for shopping. Parents sometimes add | | | | private-sector employers, can all have an |
| rear-mounted child seats and/or an auxiliary | | | | impact on so the called "modal choice" or |
| saddle fitted to the crossbar to transport | | | | "modal split" in daily transport. In some |
| children. Trailers or special luggage racks | | | | cases various factors may be manipulated in a |
| (including waterproof packing bags) enable | | | | manner that deliberately seeks to encourage |
| the transport of goods. There are projects to | | | | or discourage various transport modes, |
| support low-tech approaches by providing | | | | including cycling. |
| plans over the Internet to build cargo | | | | |
| trailers without welding or tube bending [3]. | | | | Factors affecting cycling levels may include: |
| In many jurisdictions, bicycles must be | | | | |
| fitted with a bell, reflectors, and, after | | | | Town planning, including quality of |
| dark, front and rear lights. A dynamo can | | | | infrastructure: cyclist "friendly" vs. |
| power lights when moving, but when stationary | | | | cyclist "hostile" |
| in traffic a "standlight" system is needed | | | | |
| (perhaps charged from the dynamo). A | | | | Trip-end facilities, particularly secure |
| fluorescent or reflective vest or armbands | | | | parking, providing measures against theft |
| can also be very useful for night-time | | | | |
| journeys, although these are not an | | | | Retail policy |
| alternative to a legally compliant lighting | | | | |
| system. Protective raingear is often an | | | | Marketing; the public image of cycling |
| essential part of the utility cyclists' | | | | |
| wardrobe, especially in countries with high | | | | Integration with other transport modes |
| rainfall levels. | | | | |
| | | | Cycle training |
| Many different factors combine to influence | | | | |
| levels of utility cycling. In developing | | | | Terrain (hilly vs. flat) |
| economies, a large amount of utility cycling | | | | |
| may be seen simply because the bicycle is the | | | | Climate |
| most affordable form of transport by vehicle | | | | |