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Hacks for Bicycle and Other Alt Vehicle Service Delivery

Using bikes, carts, or other alternative vehicles for outreach offers flexibility, low costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. While the core principles remain the same as other forms of mobile harm reduction, there are a few extra considerations to keep things rolling smoothly.

  • Make sure the bags and/or trailers are packed leaving enough time for transiting to your locations.
  • Make sure to carry basic bike tools, like a multitool and patch kit, in case there is a problem—nothing is more frustrating than desperately needing them and not having them.
  • Invest in good raingear and sturdy tarps—outreach stops for nothing!
  • Create and maintain internal area maps of participant location.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Creating effective policies in harm reduction work means grounding them in your mission, being thoughtful about their impact, and ensuring they’re both practical and inclusive. The tips below offer a starting point for organisations looking to build policies that reflect their values, meet external requirements, and genuinely support the people they serve and work with.
Many of the harm reduction leaders that were interviewed for Space Hacks talked about how critical it is to effectively manage services, supplies, and inventory in order to maintain community tranquility. It may not feel intuitive, but OGs report that ineffective management of supplies is the number one potential flashpoint for escalated situations during harm reduction services.