Fix-it stations

By Angelica Haggert

 

Flat bicycle tire? Fix it on the go at one of the five fix-it stations installed in Windsor.

The small-scale improvement projects for Wards 2 and 3 cost $12,000 and were partially funded by members of CUPE Local 82.

The stations are bright green and spread across parks in the downtown core of Windsor. With a pump and nine different tools, commuters and recreational cyclists alike will find them useful if they need a quick repair.

Bike Windsor Essex is the local advocacy group for cyclists and cycling in Windsor. Executive director Lori Newton was excited to see the fix-it stations installed.

“If a cyclist has a flat or needs to make a small adjustments, these minor repairs can now be made while they’re travelling throughout the city,” said Newton.

Bike Windsor Essex also operates a Bike Kitchen out of their space on University Avenue. Community members are invited to the kitchen to learn to repair and provide regular maintenance to their bicycles.

Clinton Hammond finds he is rather capable with repairing his own bike, but hopes the fix-it stations can become somewhat of a community hub.

“Hopefully it will help people learn, you can ask someone to meet you at the fix-it station to help you make a quick repair if you don’t have the tools yourself,” said Hammond.

The cycling stations can be found at the new Windsor Public Library branch on Ypres Avenue, Jackson Park, on the riverfront at Caron Avenue, at Bruce Park and at Great Western Park. Willistead Park and Mitchell Park will also get the installations.