I started a petition – will you sign it?

[liamexe]

Install Free Public Bike Repair Stations in UK Cities

Fund and support free public bike repair stations across UK cities and towns. These should include tools and stands to allow cyclists to fix minor issues on the go.

Germany's repair stations help cyclists stay mobile and safe. This idea would support UK cyclists, promote sustainability, reduce car use, and improve public health. It’s a low-cost way to make cycling more reliable and attractive for all.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730903

 

[Pat "5mph"]

We already have a few here in Glasgow.
They get vandalized.

 

[VinSumRox]

The idea is good, but most cyclists i know carry emergency tools anyway. The rack itself is handy and so is a track pump.
The ones I've seen in the UK are often going rusty as they are put in places out in the rain.

 

[Psamathe]

I can't see any tools staying in these "stations" for an overnight.

To be honest I'm unconvinced as most cyclists capable will be carrying most of what they need and how far would you push a bike to find one?

But if there is money, campaign for cycle products and services to be VAT exempt.

Ian

 

[grldtnr]

Some cities, and businesses are quite benevolent and do supply them, so from little acorns ,great oaks do grow!
It isn't unheard of, even some Local bike shops , freely offer track pumps to pump tyres.
One even offered to replace my spare chain link , when it had a Malfunctioned chain tool, and never asked for nothing.
I was of course effusively gratefull.

 

[First Aspect]

Nope, they will get less use than outdoor urban gym equipment.

 

[briantrumpet]

But if there is money, campaign for cycle products and services to be VAT exempt.

FWIW, VAT exemptions nearly always end up going into increased profits and not into actual price reductions for consumers: IIRC on average less than 20% of the reduction goes to the consumer, the rest to to profits. It's happened to 'the tampon tax' (5% to 0%) and reducing ebooks from 20% to 0%. https://taxpolicy.org.uk/2022/11/10/tampontax/

However well meaning, it doesn't work.

 

[VinSumRox]

Has any organisation looked at how much these are actually used? Are they actually something cyclists would ask for?

 

[Drago]

This is the UK. Whatever great British public can't steal theyll vandalise.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

That doesn't look low-cost to me, tbh.

 

[Psamathe]

FWIW, VAT exemptions nearly always end up going into increased profits and not into actual price reductions for consumers: IIRC on average less than 20% of the reduction goes to the consumer, the rest to to profits. It's happened to 'the tampon tax' (5% to 0%) and reducing ebooks from 20% to 0%. https://taxpolicy.org.uk/2022/11/10/tampontax/

However well meaning, it doesn't work.

Without disagreeing it would be good if a way could be found to ensure such steps did refuce prices but next best would be LBS making better profits and not closing down. Worry is it would go to importers who are maybe the least struggling?

Ian

 

[Psamathe]

Or rather than vandalised stations with tools all stolen, put money into a something like the French Accueil Vélo many of which will have tools and maintenance available but as part of yhe campsite for those staying. Encourage cyclists to head off for a longer break.

If money is available need to think about the most effective use for cycling and I suspect the proposed repair stations won't be best impact per £

Ian

 

[briantrumpet]

Without disagreeing it would be good if a way could be found to ensure such steps did refuce prices but next best would be LBS making better profits and not closing down. Worry is it would go to importers who are maybe the least struggling?

Ian

Sadly no such mechanism exists. It's the same with things like housing benefit: the 'market' has a way of soaking up any subsidies in any particular sector and leaving the individual consumers no better off. Though you can be sure that if the subsidies were withdrawn, the individual consumers would be worse off. It's a neat trick.

 

[markemark]

Nope, they will get less use than outdoor urban gym equipment.

I go past 2 of those on my commute. They’re really popular and busy for most of the year.

 

[Alex321]

There are quite a few of these already around the Vale of Glamorgan, where I live.

This is one I go past fairly often
https://www.google.com/maps/@51.482...try=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw==