New bicycle FIXIT stations installed on campus

Flat tires and squeaky brakes will be a thing of the past thanks to the recent installation of three bicycle FIXIT stations on campus. Each station provides a stand to secure a bike and tools necessary to make common bike repairs. A QR code on each station can also be scanned with a smartphone to provide detailed repair instructions. The stations, made in America by Dero, were funded through a Sustainable Action Fund large grant.

Located on the north side of the Wade King Student Recreation Center, the north side of Arntzen Hall, and the west side of Haggard Hall near the bus stop, the three FIXIT stations join an existing station outside of the Outdoor Center on the first floor of the Viking Union.

The FIXIT station project team consisted of former students Morgan Haskins (Philosophy, ‘15), Maxwell Evans (Philosophy, English Literature ’14), and project advisor Kay McMurren, Student Transportation Program Support Supervisor.

Evans, a former A.S. Alternative Transportation Coordinator, became inspired to apply for a SAF grant to improve bicycling at Western while traveling to other schools as a member of Western’s debate team.

“As a member of the debate team I had traveled to many Universities and had always noticed the bicycling programs many had,” Evans said. “I felt that with a large number of students & staff at Western already utilizing cycling as a mode of transportation, we should ensure the campus had adequate infrastructure when it came to bicycles.”

“The FIXIT stations were a clear choice; they are inexpensive, and provide ample support for most bicycle maintenance.”

Together with Haskins and McMurren, Evans researched the use and cost of the FIXIT stations, identified locations, and met with stakeholders to discuss details and obtain their support.

One of these stakeholders is Carol Berry, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager. Berry says that the FIXIT stations are a visible notice that bikes belong, and are supported, here.

“The FIXIT stations are located to be convenient for users, and the chosen locations will also work well for small repair demos,” Berry said. “I am excited about the FIXIT stations because having tools and a pump at several locations helps reduce the inconvenience of getting a flat, or needing an adjustment.”

The grant also hired Western senior Josh Kirsch to serve as a Campus Bicycle Educator for one year to educate and engage the campus community about bicycle self-repairs using the FIXIT stations and tools for demonstration.

Rachael Morris, Sustainable Transportation Program Assistant, will supervise the Campus Bicycle Educator student position and work with Kirsch to engage the campus community to increase the amount of bike trips to campus.

“The Campus Bicycle Educator will reach out to the campus community to promote biking and help facilitate bicycle maintenance at the FIXIT stations on campus,” Morris said. “(This position) can hopefully empower all students to learn how to maintain their bike, sustaining life-long cycling habits.”

The FIXIT stations will be highlighted on Tuesday, November 3rd during the Winter Biking Clinic and Group Ride as part of AS Transportation Week. A series of bicycle repair demos featuring the FIXIT stations is also being planned. Check the WWU Bike facebook page for more information as those details are finalized.

Courtesy photo