This Dero self-service bike repair station at the University Village (Phase 8) Mail Center north of Lot H on the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) campus.
It is convenient to all the students who live in the nearby residence halls, and who use bikes to get around campus.
Each repair station has a QR code when scanned with a smartphone will bring up a website with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make minor bike repairs. How cool is that???
From the UTD website: (
visit link)
"New Transportation Options Make it Easier to Get Around
Comet Cabs, Expanded Bus Service and More Shorten Travel Times On and Off Campus
Sep. 10, 2012
Alternative transportation programs at UT Dallas are making it easier than ever to get around campus and the surrounding community without owning a car.
Using bikes, buses and car-sharing programs is becoming more appealing, given increasing fuel prices, limited on-campus parking and a campus that’s mostly pedestrian-friendly.
“As we continue to grow, UT Dallas has made a conscious effort to enhance our options for moving individuals throughout the campus community,” said Dr. Calvin Jamison, vice president for administration.
“From bicycling and Comet Cabs to Zipcars and extended bus routes, we want to provide alternatives that keep the campus traffic flow smooth, pedestrian friendly, efficient and safe for the UT Dallas community, no matter how they choose to get around campus,” Jamison said.
Nate Fairbank, Student Government vice president, said he prefers to use a bike instead of a car to get to classes.
“Our campus isn’t really large enough to make driving point to point worthwhile. It’s a pain to find parking close to your destination, and you use gas and hurt the environment,” Fairbank said.
“I love biking around campus because it’s fast, and for me, more fun. Once I’m on my bike, I can get anywhere on campus in two minutes flat, which is really nice. It means I can hit the 'snooze' alarm one extra time in the morning,” Fairbank said.
Cyclists can stow their bikes at one of 1,500 slots at more than 150 bike racks on campus. The racks are located near every residence hall and apartment building, and near an entrance to every academic and recreational building on campus.
Commuters can even take their bikes on Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) buses, using easy-to-use bike racks on the front of the buses.
Avid bicyclists can now perform minor repairs for free at any of five new bicycle repair stations on campus. The Dero Fixit stations each have wrenches, screwdrivers and an air pump needed to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, such as changing a flat, adjusting brakes, fixing a loose chain or tightening nuts and bolts.
“Pretty much anytime I see anyone with a bike and they’re fiddling with it, I let them know about the stations,” said Elena Morten, parking enforcement supervisor. “Usually their reaction is, ‘Wow. That’s so cool!’”
The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with cables and fasteners. The bikes can be hoisted up to allow pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments. Users can even scan a QR code with their smartphones to get links to videos with instructions for making basic repairs.
The repair station’s air pump works with Schrader valves, the most commonly used valve for bikes and cars; and presta valves used on high-performance wheels, but which are not always compatible with the pumps found at gas stations.
Bike repair stations are located at Residence Halls North and South, University Village (Phase 8) Mail Center north of Lot H, the north door of the Activities Center and the northwest corner of Green Hall."