industrial bicycle with back pedal brake

Question
Hello, I am thinking about getting a bicycle with back pedal brake to use in the shop. The main function is to carry parts between departments. The reason it cost less to buy and to maintain than the one with hand brake system. Any safety concerns I should have?

Thank you for the suggestions.

Answer
Hey Josh,

The coaster brake has been around for about a million years and though hundreds of thousands of kids skidding off their back tires. The brake is really a very simple drum brake and as long as it is dry and free of grease works very well. And there is virtually no maintenance.

The biggest safety concerns I would have, and they are minor, are: A) If you are hauling a pretty heavy load the stopping can be compromised. 2) If you get someone that is used to hand brakes riding the bike, and they need to stop fast, they may forget to back pedal right away and crash into something - don't ask me how I know this.

There are some great utility bikes out there; Sun Bicycle (I have no affiliation) has a line of industrial bikes. You may want to look at their website. You may want to add a loud bell and even a safety flag since bikes are often not seen since they are not heard.

Great choice, by the way! Cost effective, green, and giving your employees a chance for some exercise.

Tad