Fix-it Stations Assist Cyclists

Sophie MattsonTHE SANTA CLARAMay 23, 2014[dropcap] 

S

[/dropcap]tudents with deflated wheels and broken chains on their bikes no longer need repair kits on hand as Campus Safety Services has installed convenient bike fix-it stations around campus.The fix-it stations consist of a stand-alone bicycle pump and a pole containing tools. The station has a rack built in that allows students to bring their bike to eye level.“Inside of the pole, there are a number of tools hanging on a cable,” said Millicent Kenney, transportation services manager of CSS. “The tools do a number of things such as change flat tires, (tighten) nuts and bolts and repair spokes.”Each station also comes with a Quick Response Code to assist students who do knot know how to use the tools or what to repair on their bike. After downloading a QR Code reader on a smartphone, a student can scan the code which links to a website with bicycle repair instructions.The stations were installed in April in front of San Filippo Hall, Swig Hall, the University Villas and the transportation services office. Kenney said she was inspired to install these stations after many encounters with students who wanted to repair their bikes.“Often times people (would) come to Campus Safety to look for tools to fix their bikes, such as a bike pump to fix a flat,” said Kenney. “I thought it would be a good idea to put (these stations) around campus so that they would be readily available for students and staff.”  Contact Sophie Mattson at smattson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.