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