PACT+Analysis+-+Cycling

__People__

 * Demographics of users depend on location of residences, population densities and accessibility of other modes of transit, ie. public transit or car
 * Psychographics contribute to the type of person who cycles, ie. social class, interests, behaviour, lifestyle
 * This is also based on the needs of the individual and how relevent a bike would be in their life: a child may use it for recreational purposes - to adopt a skill, a student may require one to get to school to save on transportation money, other age groups may use one for exercising or competitive means - as a sport or profession. //(see under Actitivites)//

__Activities__

 * Different types of cyclist, cycle for different purposes.
 * There are **three main types** categories of cycling.


 * //Transport//**
 * Some people feel inclined to use alternative modes to transportation
 * Environmentally friendly
 * At times can be more convenient
 * Can become important to health as it offers ideal form of exercise
 * __Environmentally friendly:__ it helps reduce gas emissions and other toxins that pollute the atmosphere
 * __Long distance commuting:__ Sometimes long distance commuting is ideal. It may save time rather than driving through congested traffic. Mixed modes of transportation may also be available. Accommodations on buses such as bicycle racks may be used for convenience. Also, bicycle lockers offer ideal “parking” solutions.
 * __Shopping:__ Cycling from store to store can be faster then walking or driving. With an abundance of bicycle racks in the GTA, shopping can potentially be a more enjoyable experience since you can visit more stores in a shorter amount of time.
 * __School:__ For those who live close to their school, cycling to and from can be a convenience as well as a money saver. Bike racks as an alternative to parking passes for vehicles is a cost effective mode of transportation. With bike racks available at certain bus stops, it encourages the usage of both methods of "green" transportation.


 * //Recreation//**
 * It’s fun
 * People enjoy cycling
 * Good way to explore the city.
 * Cycling is sociable and encourages activities to do with family and friends.
 * __Day-Rides__: Day rides can be organized in groups or individually. Day rides consist of having a planned destination and making a one-day-excursion activity of it. Group day-rides are usually planned according to speed, surface of the roads, off-roads, and difficulty of the course.
 * __Touring__: Cycling can encourage exploration of the city.
 * __Off-road__: Off-road traveling refers simple to avoiding traffic at the expense of a rougher road or trail. Generally done with a mountain bike that can handle the rough terrain. For most people who off-road cycle, the challenge of the route is the most satisfying deriving pleasure from the thrill and excitement of the activity.
 * __Fitness__: Cycling for fitness is becoming increasingly popular. Cycling can be fun and activities such as racing can be turned into an activity and exercise. Cycling can be used to increase stamina and better cardiovascular health. Fitness cycling can be done individually or in a group.


 * //Competition//**
 * __Road Competitions__: Road races consiston a declared based on who crosses the finish line first. These types of races usually take place across several hours and is a test of physical strength and stamina. These types of races are set on a circuit for all cyclers to follow. Stage races take places over several days or weeks. The winner is decided based on total time.
 * __Off-road__: Off-road racing is similar to downhill skiing and snowboarding. Bike handling plays an important part in mountain biking competition.
 * __Track__: Races held in a velodrome, a specially built oval track meant for racing. Banked curves and smooth surfaces keep riders from sliding out of control.
 * __Other__: Other activities such as BMX, grass-track racing, and road time trials also take place.

Context

 * The use of bicycles may be part of an individual's family upbringing, ie. by growing up in an area of a country where bicycling is prevalent, those tendencies may be carried over to a new location of residence
 * A person may have towards a bicycle a certain passion, associated histories and experiences that have led him/her take on a different view on bikes, its environments and those who ride them
 * This is where narratives regarding personal experience comes into play, thus providing bikes and their social connections to people with a certain context

Technology

 * Different purposes for cycling require different bicycle types.
 * There is a variety of bicycle types available to choose from (based on function):
 * __Utility:__ ideal for commuting, shopping, and running errands; include medium or heavy weight tires and frames; often feature internal hub gearing; riding position is usually upright
 * __Road/Racing:__ characterized by light frames and narrow, high-pressure tires; allows for faster and more responsive ride; easy for up-hill riding; generally considered less comfortable than other types; fastest and lightest bicycle type available
 * __Mountain:__ designed for off-road use; able to absorb rough riding; feature high-performing brakes, suspension, fat tires, and comfortable seats; heavier in weight due to the sturdy frame; not ideal for travelling far on flat surfaces
 * __Hybrid:__ made from a combination of features from the road bike and the mountain bike; versatile wheels provide comfortable ride on either off-road or on-road surfaces; often have a high number of gears and upright handlebars; tend to be slightly less expensive than road bikes
 * __Touring:__ feature eyelets for attaching racks, and gearing and stable handling for transporting heavy loads; also feature smooth tires and low gears for hilly terrain; designed to make long road rides comfortable and to accomodate touring bags for multi-day rides; less agile handing than road bikes
 * __Recumbents and Trikes:__ allows you to sit upright; ideal for those with back, neck, or hand problems; easy to reach high downhill speeds and difficult to climb hills because of the rider's sitting position; less responsive than traditional bikes; the ride is low to the ground, so they are difficult for drivers to see in traffic
 * __BMX:__ very advanced; designed for stunts and tricks; sometimes made of titanium to make the parts lightweight and strong; used as part of a popular worldwide sport that includes paid professional riders
 * __Cruiser:__ feature heavy frames with balloon tires; also known as beach bikes or boulevardiers; designed for comfortable travel over various terrain types; the standard bicycle used from the 30s to the 50s, but now they are regaining popularity [1]