News
May 5, 2016Bicycle Fixit Stations Available at Albany Public Library
Just in time for prime bike-riding season, and Bike to Work Week, Albany Public Library is opening Bicycle Fixit Stations outside three branches in the city of Albany at a special event on Friday, May 13. Starting at 9:30 am, a group of library staff and local bicycle enthusiasts will ride their bikes between all three branches—Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch, Bach Branch, and Delaware Branch—to check out the new Bicycle Fixit Stations available for free use by the public.
The special event kicks off at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch (148 Henry Johnson Blvd.) at 9:30 a.m. on May 13 when library officials will be joined by leaders of local bicycle, transportation, and community organizations for a short press conference. Participants will then get on their bikes and ride to the Bach Branch (455 New Scotland Ave.) to visit the fixit station there. The last stop on the bike tour is the Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.). Community members are invited to participate in the bike ride.
“We’re excited to provide the people of Albany with free Bicycle Fixit Stations at three Albany Public Library branches,” said Scott Jarzombek, the library’s executive director. “There are many recreational cyclists, families, and commuters who can benefit from having easy access to bike repair tools at three locations in the city of Albany. The Bicycle Fixit Stations are another great service the library is proud to provide to the community.”
The Bicycle Fixit Stations at the Arbor Hill/West Hill, Bach, and Delaware branches are placed outside near existing bicycle racks and are readily accessible to the bicycle-riding public. The stations, manufactured by DERO, contain all the tools riders need to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, including changing a flat tire, adjusting brakes, and fine tuning gears. Each station includes the following tools: Philips and flat head screwdrivers, various Allen wrenches, headset wrench, pedal wrench, several sizes of box wrenches, tire levers, and air pump. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stands using stainless steel cables, but are still easy to access for those using the stations. The stands have hanger arms that allow users to spin the pedals and wheels while making adjustments.
“The library’s position as a citywide community resource coupled with the installation of the repair stands will help all bicycle riders, especially those who do not have access to tools or who cannot afford to pay others to perform bicycle adjustments and minor repairs,” said Lorenz M. Worden, president of Albany Bicycle Coalition. “We in the Albany Bicycle Coalition are pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Albany Public Library.”
The library partnered with the Albany Bicycle Coalition and the Protected Bicycle Lane Coalition to secure a grant from the Capital District Transportation Committee’s Capital Coexist Traffic Safety Ambassador Mini-Grant Program to fund the stations. Additional funds are provided by the Albany Public Library Foundation.
“One of the objectives of CDTC’s Traffic Safety Ambassador grant program is to make bicycling easier and safer in the Capital District,” said Michael V. Franchini, executive director of the Capital District Transportation Committee. “The Albany Public Library’s installation of the bicycle repair stands in three locations in Albany will accomplish this objective, and will help bicyclists make repairs when those unforeseen and sudden needs arise.”
“The Albany Public Library Foundation is pleased to help the library add Bicycle Fixit Stations to the long list of resources provided to our community,” said Holly McKenna, president of the APL Foundation. “These stations aren’t what you expect to find at a library, but they absolutely fit in with our mission to enhance the Albany community and make it a better place for our residents.”
A number of community organizations and cycling groups are praising the addition of Bicycle Fixit Stations at Albany Public Library.
“Having available fixit stands at the various Albany Public Library branches, free and available to all riders, will enable those who get around on bikes a quick and inexpensive way to do minor repairs on their bikes,” said Rossana Coto Batres, spokesperson for Capital Region Complete Streets. “Integrating fixit stations into our community spaces can promote the use of bicycles as an alternative form of transportation.”
“Creating bicycle-friendly environments throughout our communities is vital to ensuring safe and healthy movement for all of our neighbors in the Capital Region,” said Amy Klein, executive director of Capital Roots. “We are proud of our friends at Albany Bicycle Coalition and Albany Public Library for working to ensure this becomes the norm in Albany.”
“I’m excited to see more Bicycle Fixit Stations coming to the Capital Region,” said Ken Crandall of Troy Bike Rescue. “By placing these stations around Albany, we are making it easier for people to choose their bicycles instead of their cars to get around the city.”
