Transformers – Chris Bauch, GM of Product Development at Saris Infrastructure
Courtesy of Chris Bauch/Saris Infrastructure
If I were to list the most critical subjects in the electric bike industry, cycling infrastructure would be too far down before it was mentioned. Most cities or municipalities worldwide are glaringly inefficient regarding dedicated bike lanes, traffic integration, and safety for riders and vehicles.
And now, with the continued increase in electric bike sales over the past five years, there are more and more cyclists on the streets, and they are moving faster and more efficiently than ever. But the speed and efficiency come at a cost.
With electric bike technology outpacing lawmakers and bureaucrats' ability to change the policies surrounding pedestrian infrastructure, the lag between them is resulting in the potential for more accidents for both e-bikes and vehicles.
Thankfully, the cycling industry has people like Chris Bauch and companies like Saris Infrastructure, who are doing their best to help improve and accelerate the implementation of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in cities across the United States.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Bauch/Saris Infrastructure
Who is Chris Bauch?
Chris Bauch, a Madison, Wisconsin native deeply entrenched in the biking culture of his hometown, has spent over a decade shaping the cycling industry at Saris Infrastructure. Currently serving as the head of product management and new product development, Chris's journey began in sales but gradually shifted towards product innovation, where he finds fulfillment in hands-on work and utilizing cycling products in his personal life as a commuter, mountain biker, and road cyclist.
His passion for cycling extends beyond mere recreation; it's a means of transportation that allows him to explore cities nationwide. Through his travels, Chris has observed the disparities in cycling infrastructure and culture among different urban areas. Motivated by this, he focuses on developing cycle-centric products that enhance the biking experience, leveraging Saris's expertise as a cycling company rather than just a manufacturer.
Chris's dedication to improving cycling infrastructure stems from his belief that biking offers a unique perspective of a city, allowing for a deeper connection with its culture and environment. With Saris's emphasis on cyclist-oriented design, Chris collaborates with fellow enthusiasts within the company to ensure their products meet the diverse needs of cyclists everywhere.
What is Saris Infrastructure?
With a legacy spanning over four decades, Saris Infrastructure stands as a beacon of innovation in the cycling industry. What began as a humble venture into car racks has blossomed into a comprehensive array of products catering to cyclists' diverse needs, from bike trainers to cutting-edge infrastructure solutions.
"At Saris, we've always been attuned to the evolving needs of cyclists," remarks Chris Bauck, head of product management and new product development. "Our journey into cycling infrastructure was born out of a desire to support cyclists year-round, especially during quieter winter months."
Thirty years ago, Saris took its first steps into cycling infrastructure with rudimentary bike parking racks. Over time, these humble beginnings blossomed into a robust product lineup designed to enhance cyclists' experiences on the road. "As interest in cycling infrastructure surged across the nation, we seized the opportunity to grow alongside it," Chris explains.
The recent surge in cycling's popularity, fueled by the e-bike revolution and a growing focus on micro-mobility, has propelled Saris to new heights.
"Accessibility is key," Chris emphasizes. "Our product lineup reflects a commitment to inclusivity, with specialized racks for e-bikes and cargo bikes, ensuring that every cyclist finds a solution tailored to their needs."
Indeed, Saris's holistic approach to cycling infrastructure encompasses a wide range of products, from bike lane delineators to repair stations, designed to support cyclists at every journey stage. "Our goal is to bridge the gaps in cycling networks," Chris affirms. "Whether it's providing secure parking or facilitating repairs, we strive to create a seamless experience for cyclists."
Saris Infrastructure
Looking ahead, Saris is doubling down on its commitment to supporting the e-bike revolution, with a focus on innovative charging solutions. "E-bikes have transformed commuting," Chris observes. "Our e-bike charging stations are just the beginning—we're constantly exploring new ways to support cyclists in their journey."
As cycling's popularity continues to soar, Saris Infrastructure remains at the forefront of the revolution, driving innovation and shaping the future of cycling infrastructure one pedal stroke at a time.
Advocacy and Involvement in Larger Projects
Saris Infrastructure's commitment to national-level mobility improvements extends beyond product development—it's about advocacy and collaboration. Bauch underscores this by highlighting their partnerships with organizations like People for Bikes and the League of American Cyclists, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement. "We work closely with local advocacy groups and city planners to understand the unique needs of each community," Chris explains. This hands-on approach allows Saris to develop tailored solutions that address real-world challenges.
"The more cities invest in cycling infrastructure, the more people will be encouraged to use it."
Traveling across the country on his bike, Chris has witnessed firsthand the disparities in cycling infrastructure. While some cities boast well-designed bike networks, others lag behind with outdated or disconnected systems. "Separated cycleways are crucial," Chris notes, emphasizing the need for physical barriers between cyclists and car traffic. However, he acknowledges the complexities of creating fully connected bike networks, citing challenges such as disjointed routes and inadequate access in certain areas.
Despite these challenges, Chris remains optimistic about the future of cycling infrastructure. By prioritizing safety and convenience, cities can encourage more people to embrace cycling as a viable mode of transportation. "The more cities invest in cycling infrastructure, the more people will be encouraged to use it," Chris concludes. With Saris Infrastructure leading the charge, the vision of a cyclist-friendly nation is within reach.
Improving Nationwide Infrastructure
Improving nationwide cycling infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach, according to Bauch. He emphasizes collaboration between city governments and grassroots organizations to ensure adequate infrastructure development. "Cities need to work with communities to understand their needs and educate local businesses on the benefits of bike lanes," Chris explains. Without community buy-in, infrastructure projects may face resistance or fail to meet cyclists' needs.
Chris highlights the importance of city planners and bike-ped coordinators with firsthand cycling experience. "Good infrastructure design requires a deep understanding of cyclists' needs," Chris notes. However, poorly executed projects can lead to community backlash and perpetuate negative perceptions of bike lanes. To avoid this, Chris suggests prioritizing comprehensive planning and community engagement to create cyclist-friendly environments that benefit everyone.
Convenience Is Key
Bauch emphasizes the importance of technology in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. While he acknowledges the significance of innovations like e-bikes and e-scooters, he underscores the fundamental necessity of infrastructure to support micro-mobility initiatives.
Drawing parallels to the transition to electric cars, he explains that without a robust charging network, the adoption of electric vehicles faces challenges. Similarly, for micro-mobility to thrive, cities must invest in cycling infrastructure.
Examining global examples, Chris highlights cities like Amsterdam, renowned for their bike-friendly infrastructure. He attributes their success to deliberate city planning initiatives that prioritize cycling.
In contrast, he notes that the United States is beginning to adopt similar strategies, such as incorporating bicycle lanes into street redevelopment projects. These efforts aim to create safe and accessible cyclist networks, ultimately encouraging more people to embrace biking.
Bauch points to the importance of making cycling convenient and accessible to encourage its adoption. He underscores the role of infrastructure in shaping the cycling culture and advocates for city-level initiatives to support micro-mobility. By investing in cycling infrastructure, cities can pave the way for a more sustainable and bike-friendly future.
Committed to Grow Cycling Infrastructure
Looking ahead, Bauch emphasizes Saris Infrastructure's commitment to continuous growth and innovation in the cycling infrastructure sector. He anticipates significant product offerings and city-focused solutions developments over the next five to ten years. Recognizing the industry's dynamic nature, he emphasizes the importance of staying attuned to cyclists' evolving needs and behaviors. As bikes and bike components have developed rapidly in recent years, he anticipates further advancements driven by emerging technologies.
In line with this vision, Saris Infrastructure aims to expand its product line to support new trends and technologies in cycling. Bauch highlights the company's focus on developing products that cater to individual cyclists' needs and contribute to creating safe and efficient cycling networks in cities. He underscores the importance of products like bike lane delineators, which assist cities in building protected bike lanes and fostering a cycling-friendly environment.
Bauch's insights reflect Saris Infrastructure's proactive approach to shaping the future of cycling infrastructure. With a commitment to innovation and a keen eye for emerging trends, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and accessible transportation solutions in the years to come.
