UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Office of Physical Plant and Penn State Transportation Services have installed four bicycle repair stations on campus.
Tom Flynn, OPP landscape architect in charge of the project, said the units are part of the ongoing plan to make the campus bicycle friendly.
“We expect the campus bicycling community to be delighted with the repair stations. Students, faculty, staff or just anyone with a bike in need of repair is welcome to use them," he said.
The stations are located at key bicycle user areas such as the Stadium West bike shelter.
“Many students and faculty who live in outlying areas drive into campus by car and switch to their bicycle when they reach campus ... now any repair problems can be solved on the spot," Flynn said.
Brian Dempsey from the Centre Region Bicycle Coalition (C.R.B.C.) originated the idea and suggested the manufacturer to OPP. Steve Maruszewski, OPP assistant vice president and Theresa Davis, director of transportation services, jointly funded the project as a way to demonstrate Penn State’s commitment to alternative transportation. The four new stations are strategically located at high-use bicycle areas: the Stadium West covered bike shelter, the Thomas Building bike parking court, Willard Building and the bike parking area at the Stuckeman Family Building.
The maintenance units contain all the necessary tools to perform basic bicycle repairs. The tool set contains Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a complete set of Allen wrenches, headset wrench, pedal wrench, box wrenches, tire levers and a tire pump. All the tools are connected to a central post by stainless steel cables and tamper proof fasteners. Bicycles can be suspended from the post so that the pedals and wheel can spin freely while making adjustments. The Fixit brand stations are manufactured by the Dero Corp. in Minneapolis. The stations are built to last and designed to survive all kinds of weather.
Penn State and State College were both designated Bronze level Bicycle Friendly communities last year. The distinction honors the University’s commitment to bicycling and initiatives that promote a safe and convenient biking environment on campus. With this designation, Penn State became one of 44 Bicycle Friendly universities in the country. At that time the League of American Bicyclists gave Penn State a list of recommendations for possible improvements to raise our designation level. The repair stations are the latest evidence that the University is moving forward in support of two-wheeled transportation.
Cyclists can expect to see further improvements coming in the near future. OPP plans to install new bike lanes on University Drive between Curtin Road and Park Avenue during 2014. Additional bike lanes will be added to University Drive Extension and along Services Road in 2015. The Bronze level award is valid for four years and these expanded bike-friendly initiatives may enable Penn State to achieve an even higher level certification in 2016.