🚵‍♀️ Bike resources

Updated 4 weeks ago by James Graef

Local tip: Stay connected with the local biking community to find group rides, attend bike maintenance workshops, learn about city biking projects, and more! The Tempe Bicycle Action Group and Bike Saviours are two great organizations.

🚲 Archer’s Bikes

Archer’s Bikes is your resource for all things bike! You can turn to them for personalized, expert advice about your specific needs.

Visit Archer's Bikes in the Hub building for all your bike needs – including use of your resident coupons. You can also call them at 480-636-6081, text them at 480-360-7558 or email them at Info@archersbikesculdesac.com with any bike questions.

Don’t forget to check out Archer’s guide to safe biking.

Learn more about the discounts you receive at Archer's bikes as a Culdesac resident.

⛓️ Rest assured

It’s not fun to think about, but preparing for the worst — a stolen bike — is worth your time.

Make sure to register with the Culdesac community on Project 529, a national bike registry that can boost the chances of your bike getting returned. And as Culdesac resident, you’ll receive a shield sticker at move-in that can help identify your bike.

Also be sure to look into bike insurance. While there are several bike-specific insurance options like Velosurance, you can also look into a renters insurance policy that covers bikes.

🔒 Safety & locking up

Learning how to protect your bike is key. A quality lock is worth the investment. Think of it this way: someone’s stolen your bike after cutting through that cheap cable lock, and now they’re holding it for ransom. How much would you pay to get it back? That amount should be your budget for a lock that works.

Chain locks are sturdier than their cable counterparts and can’t be cut through. We like the Fahgettaboudit chain.

Folding locks are also increasing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. They’re versatile and save space without sacrificing security; it would be an astronomical challenge to break the Kryptolok 685 Fold.

Any lock can be cut given enough time and the right tools, but a high-quality lock will give a would-be bike thief time to reevaluate the wisdom of their heist.

If you're looking for more suggestions, please go to Archer's Bikes Locks page.

We recommend storing your bike inside. In addition to the bike room, there are racks in the gym or you can bring your bike to your apartment.

For an additional layer of safety, also consider a tracker and alarm, such as Knog Scout.

Battery safety is imperative. The biggest risks for a malfunctioning battery are when they're left out during hot temperatures, and when the charging chord is plugged in. Please ensure that your battery is well looked after and never left unattended while plugged in.

Note that renters insurance, including our default insurance, usually doesn't cover bike theft. And if it does, make sure it covers for a bike with a throttle (if you have one)

🕵️ Bike recovery

In the worst case scenario of a stolen bike, take these steps to recover it.

Please note, your bike needs to be registered with Project 529 to be eligible for the rental gift card.

⚙️ Gear up

There’s no end to the ways you can optimize and personalize your bike. Use your resident discounts at Archer’s for tune-ups, gear, and more!

🚴 Rules of the road

Make sure you’re riding safe when you’re out and about. The City of Tempe has some general rules and laws regarding bike riding on city streets. See below for a condensed list as of 2023.

City of Tempe bike rules & laws
- Bikes, e-bikes and scooters must use a bike lane when one is provided.
- Bikes, e-bikes and scooters must ride in the street when the speed limit is 25 mph or below.
- Bikes, e-bikes and scooters are allowed on the sidewalk when there are no bikes lanes available and the speed limit is greater than 25 mph.
  - E-bike motors must be disengaged.
- Minors, with the consent of, or accompanied by a parent or guardian, may ride on the sidewalk at all times. Parents and guardians may also ride on the sidewalk when accompanying a minor.
- Bikes, e-bikes and scooters must ride with the flow of traffic.
- Bikes, e-bikes and scooters must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian; slow down to 5 mph; and give an audible signal before passing.
- Riders must be over the age of 16 to operate all non-human powered vehicles (scooters and other electric mobility devices), unless the rider has permission of a parent or guardian.
- Riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet if operating a human-powered or non-human-powered vehicle.