Utility bicycle
A utility bicycle is one which is designed for a practical purpose, as opposed to "sport bicycles" which are designed for recreation and competition, such as touring bicycles, racing bicycles and mountain bicycles.
Utility bicycles are used for short-distance commuting, for running errands, and for shopping. Utility bicycles typically feature a step-through frame so they can be easily mounted, hub gears and drum brakes to reduce the need for maintenance, mudguards to keep the rider's clothing clean, a chain guard to prevent skirts or loose trousers from being caught in the chain, a prop stand so it can be parked anywhere, and a basket or pannier rack to carry personal possessions or shopping bags. Some people add a child seat or a trailer.
The utility bicycle is the most widely used form of bicycle in many parts of the world, but in most industrialized nations motor vehicles replaced bicycles for personal transport in the 20th century and the reduced availability of utility bicycles led people to adopt sport bicycles for tasks for which utility bicycles are better suited. A few countries, notably the Netherlands, are exceptions to this rule.
See also: bicycle messenger
