Fix your bike at new station
By Correne Martin
The Prairie du Chien Rotary Club has brought a public bike repair station to the downtown.
Installed Monday, the fixit stand and air pump includes all the tools necessary to perform basic bicycle repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes. The tools are securely attached to the service stand with stainless steel cables and fasteners. According to the website for the manufacturing company, Dero, the top-end hanger arms allow for a bike’s pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments. Cyclists should be able to keep their tires topped up and ready to roll.
Noah White, a Rotary Club member who had seen numerous service stations like this along Red Wing, Minn., bike trails, said the tools include Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and common size wrenches, as well as a universal head on the air pump that will fit any tire stem.
Additionally, cyclists using the station can use their smartphone to scan a QR code on the stand and they will be taken to online videos demonstrating how to make certain repairs.
Dero also has a map on its website where this Prairie du Chien fixit stand will be found by searching visitors.
“We thought this location would be good, at the entrance to St. Feriole Island,” noted Mike Ulrich, city parks and recreation director. The city park board and council approved of the installation, which involved pouring a cement pad at a small cost to the city. Ulrich said a bike rack addition is hoped to be installed next to this repair stand.
Rotarian Michael Higgins said the $1,650 station was made possible by internal member funds. He said this project fits the Prairie du Chien Rotary Club’s missions of health and exercise opportunities and its work toward building a better community.