I have come across several fix-it-yourself bike stations. The gesture and tools is really nice. And it probably saves the bike rental company from a lot of nuisance beggars at the door expecting free minor repairs.
I’ve come across similar tool sets in Cambridge, MA;
on Cape Cod
and Salzburg:.
But not yet in Ottawa, although there is a non-public one behind St Andrew tower. This is at a time when gas stations increasingly charge cyclists for air, although the most egregious insult came when I found an air pump at a local gas station fill-er-up island that was free for motorists and charged a dollar for cyclists, over on the parking lot. An attendant actually came out and chased me away from the island. Hmm. Memo to self: don’t buy gas there.
Does anyone know of any free, public U-fix stations in Ottawa?
There’s one now on the Laurier side of city hall.
Carleton U has one and one at City hall… but for exact locations I’m not sure.
Thanks for blogging.
Go to http://www.rightbike.org
In addition to sharing bicycles, they also share space! If you just need a stand to work on your bike or you’ve realized that you’re short a few tools for some bike repairs they are the go to place at only $5/ hour for non-members and it’s free to RightBike members.
And on the University of Ottawa campus! Rob Wilkenson (@denvale) is keen to see more around the city and would love feedback about potential spots. I’ve used them and think they’re great!
They had one behind the ACCE building at Algonquin but removed it for the winter.