Area's First Bike Repair Stations Coming To 5 Parks

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New self-service bicycle repair stations being installed in five locations in the Metroparks will be the first of their kind in northwest Ohio.

Five local bicycle organizations purchased the Fixit stations to enhance the regional bike trail system. The first one has been installed at the McCord Road parking access along the University/Parks Trail.

Each Fixit station, manufactured by Dero, includes all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments.

"Metroparks partnered with the local biking community to enhance the visitor experience along our popular bike trails," said Joe Fausnaugh, chief of operations for the park district. "We will build on the donation of the Fixit stations by installing new drinking fountains in several of the locations later this summer."

Organizations donating $1,200 each to purchase the Fixit stations were: 

Keith Webb, of We Area Traffic, approached Metroparks with the idea and secured the donations from each of the clubs.

"This project is a great example of local groups working together for a common goal -- supporting activities and infrastructure that promote the use of bicycling for transportation and recreation," Webb said. "We are thankful for the collaboration with Metroparks and will work toward opportunities in the future."

In addition to the McCord Road site, Fixit stations will be installed at the Silver Lake area at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee, the Towpath trailhead at the boat launch entrance to Farnsworth Metropark in Waterville, Keener Road Park along the Wabash Cannonball Trail in Monclova Township and the new Fallen Timbers Visitors Center.

Each station has a QR code that links to http://www.dero.com/bike-repair/, where cyclists can view short videos about bicycle repairs.

Metroparks of the Toledo Area is managing partner in the University/Parks Trail, from the University of Toledo to King Road in Sylvania; and the Wabash Cannonball Trail, from Maumee to Oak Openings and Whitehouse. The park district also owns the Towpath Trail from Waterville to Providence Township and is a partner in the Oregon Parks Trail from Pearson Metropark to Maumee Bay State Park as well as the developing Chessie Circle Trail in Toledo.

http://metroparkstoledo.com/discover/blog/posts/bike-fixit-stations-at-five-metroparks-locations/