Are there examples of local businesses sponsoring or providing a free air pump as a service to bicyclists?
A public bicycle air station in Davis, California.
Photo: David Takemoto-Weerts
Providing a free, reliable source of air for bicyclists' tires requires an investment in good equipment but shows customers you care and that you encourage them to pedal to your place of business. It is also a community service that demonstrates your commitment to civic improvement by taking the extra step to promote cycling.
In the city of Davis, California, there are several examples of such installations. One downtown bike shop has an air hose hooked up outside its front door during business hours. The developer of a local shopping center, Oakshade Town Center, was required to install a publicly accessible air station to meet one of the conditions mandated by the city for approval of the project. The city's corporation yard has one placed conveniently near a major cross-town arterial.
The University of California campus in Davis has ten air stations strategically sited around its grounds with more planned to ensure that no one has to pedal (or walk) very far for a fill-up.
Air stations, while not as necessary to the support of bike commuting as ample, secure bike racks or cyclist-friendly bikeways, do demonstrate a superior degree of commitment to making bicycling a workable transportation choice.
