January 22, 2015
‘Fixit’ stations assist bicyclists on campus
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale has earned national acclaim as a “green” campus and a new feature is both proof of that continuing commitment and an important aid for those who travel by bicycle.
Coinciding with the return of students to campus for the spring semester, new Saluki Spokes Service Stations have opened at seven locations across campus. Each “fixit” station features all of the tools necessary for basic bicycle repairs and maintenance, from changing flats to putting on chains to adjusting brakes.
Riders can hang their bikes on a stand and utilize the air pump or a variety of tools, including tire levers and screwdrivers and wrenches. The components are securely attached on stainless steel cables to assure they are there when needed. Anyone can use them anytime at no charge.
The stations are located:
- Near the south entrance of the Student Center
- By the south entrance (off Grand Avenue) at the Student Recreation Center
- In the northeast corner of the bicycle parking area between Lawson and Rehn Halls
- Southeast of the fountain near Wall and Grand Apartments
- Near Smith Hall on Thompson Point/West Campus
- Adjacent to Grinnell Hall on East Campus
- Near the parking area on the northeast side of University Hall.
More than half of the money for the fixit stations came from a Green Fund grant, funded by a $10 per-semester student green fee. The total cost of the project was $9,420 and other campus units chipped in to cover the remaining costs.
Also new this semester is a volunteer bike ambassadors program. Volunteers will be available to help with on-site bike repairs needed on campus. The Craft Shop already has a group of volunteers, available by calling the shop/hotline, but more are welcome. Bike ambassadors can earn their own bicycle repair kits by helping others.
To seek help from a bicycle ambassador, volunteer to become part of the program, or for more information about upcoming workshops, call the Craft Shop at 618/453-3636.
The Craft Shop at the Student Center is also sponsoring a series of workshops offering instructions on how to use the new bicycle stations. The workshops are set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 28 and 3 to 5 p.m. on April 6 and April 24. The fixit station workshops are free with proof of bike registration and one of the following: a voucher from the Earth Day Fair on April 22, membership in the Bike Ambassador registered student organization or participation in a Sustainability Volunteer Program.
In addition, the Craft Shop’s Saluki Spokes will continue to offer repair services and will host special bike repair events later this spring.
Find a detailed map and additional information about the Saluki Spokes Service Stations, along with details about the many other campus sustainability initiatives, online at www.sustainability.siu.edu.
Already the Green Fund has provided more than $1.6 million to 123 diverse sustainability projects.