A Reddit user cautioned cyclists about the unreliability of public bike pumps along Ann Arbor's Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail, sharing a personal experience where a pump failed during a ride, leading to a flat tire and a challenging return journey. Public bike pumps are susceptible to wear from environmental exposure and potential vandalism. Maintenance practices vary, with some communities conducting regular inspections and repairs, while others face challenges in upkeep due to resource constraints. Public bike pumps are susceptible to wear from environmental exposure and potential vandalism. Maintenance practices vary, with some communities conducting regular inspections and repairs, while others face challenges in upkeep due to resource constraints.

Multiple residents of Ann Arbor report that public bike pumps across the city are frequently broken or unreliable, with some units reportedly in disrepair for several years. A reddit user cited the pump at Pierpont Commons on North Campus as having been broken for approximately eight years, with another user corroborating that the pump at the Central Campus Transit Center is also inoperative. Other reports mention malfunctioning pumps at the WCC Fitness Center and Gallup Park, where users noted valve seal issues rendering the pumps unusable. The recurring issue may disproportionately affect individuals who rely on public amenities for bike maintenance, particularly students and low-income riders who may not carry personal equipment.