The Picket Set is an engaging accessory line that allows people to make their bike their own. Appealing to the emotional side of riding, Picket Set allows people to be excited about their bike by BOLDLY customizing their basket and fenders.
Practicality is not always the strongest motivator - the Picket Set appeals to peoples emotional connection over the rational reasons such as weather issues, safety, theft, baggage concerns -- the main reasons people give for not riding. But these are issues that keep even motivated bikers from biking more often. To motivate NEW riders they have to be excited by a personal and emotional connection to their bike.
A self proclaimed interested rider, who never rides, was asked, "what would motivate you to ride to work?" She had no response. When asked, "what if there were something about your bike that you were really excited about? Can you imagine that overriding some of your other issues?" She responded with "yes! Absolutely, if I had a rad bike, I'd ride more. I do like my bike, but it's not that exciting or cute."
Style, trends and visual appeal should not be underestimated in giving people a sense of empowerment and excitement. Bringing personal accessories to each bike allows riders to bring their life and their style to the bike. The Picket Set serve the splash guard and storage needs but in a stylish way.
Using pattern variety allows for personalization as well as building on the boutique style that is so popular today, similar to what Anthropologie has done within the home goods and apparel industry.
Simple products like the Picket Set can catalyze change but there must be a system behind it in order to support it. The basket and wheel cover are made of sustainable plastic and are sponsored by local biking programs. This visibility of the program also works to increase and enable easy riding. It would also help the biking program connect with a wider audience than current bikers.
Current bike programs are targeted at people already part of the bike community or those that are motivated to join on their own. The Picket Set is the missing link that draws non-bikers to biking and biking support systems.