Flagstaff's Elias Toon Brings Free Bike Repair Stations to NAU's Campus

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (02/27/2013)(readMedia)-- New bike repair stations are available on Northern Arizona University's campus thanks to the hard work and initiative of Elias Toon, a senior from Flagstaff.

In an effort to promote environmental change on campus, Elias teamed up with Derek Hansen of the Transportation Action Team and Bryan McLaren of the Office of Sustainability to make his vision a reality. The stations have a low environmental impact and ADA approved so that everyone can utilize them.

All of the tools needed for basic bike maintenance are hung by airplane grade wire inside the station to protect them from the elements. There are screwdrivers, wrenches, tire levers, allen wrenches, and manual and electric pumps suitable for any type of bike tire.

Elias stated that the stations are not just for bike aficionados, but for any student who needs a quick tune-up, "If you have a smart phone, you can scan the QR code on the station and it takes you to a website that will give you instructions on how to fix your bike. So even if you don't know how to fix things – how to remove handlebar grips, how to fix a pedal, how to move a seat – you can do it. There are even some videos on there, and it's close enough to the union that you can get free Wi-Fi."

Currently there are two bike repair stations on campus - on north campus at the Union and on south campus at the du Bois Center - but there is support and funding for two more in the near future. The stations are a great, free option for students who need to make small repairs but don't have the tools they need.