WHAT:

The installation of public bicycle repair stations in select Downtown locations. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) will deploy stainless steel stations manufactured by Bike Fixtation. Features of the work stations include a stand to hold the bicycle, basic bike repair tools, and an air pump to inflate tires.

WHEN:

DGRI will demonstrate the new station at 12PM on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Workers will install the stations throughout the day.

WHERE:

DGRI will demonstrate the new station located at Founder’s Brewing Company. Additional stations will be located at the Downtown Market, the Seward Avenue Bike Facility at Lake Michigan Drive, and the corner of Louis Street and Monroe Avenue. The location of a fifth station has yet to be determined.

Locations were chosen to accommodate both recreational and commuter cyclists. Siting criteria include proximity to popular destinations, a hard surface to mount the station, support even distribution of stations across downtown, as well as provide high visibility and easy access for people riding bikes.

WHY:

More and more Grand Rapidians now choose to recreate and commute by bicycle. An estimated 32 percent of Downtown residents bike or walk to work, according to the 2012 American Community Survey. The survey also found that an estimated 4 percent of all Downtown workers bike or walk to their job. Enhanced bike facilities also consistently emerges as key community priority through the GR Forward conversations.

The repair stations will provide these and other recreational riders a convenient place and the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance such as change a flat tire, make brake adjustments, or fix a derailleur.

WHO:

DGRI’s Alliance for Livability selected the deployment of bike repair stations in strategic downtown locations as a key priority in 2015. The Alliance for Livability is a citizen-led council that advises DGRI staff on beautification efforts, safety, and mobility, among other issues. Representatives of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Founders Brewing, and the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition will participate in the demonstration.

HOW:

The project is made possible by the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority, a funding tool managed by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to help catalyze public and private investment in the central business district. The total cost to purchase and deploy the repair stations is approximately $6,800.