Repair Station to be Installed at Steve J. Miller Recreation Area
Cyclists can keep their bikes in top shape while riding in Marshfield with the help of a public repair station to be installed at Steve J. Miller Recreation Area.
“As a bicycle enthusiast, I have traveled in various parts of Wisconsin and the United States with my bicycle, and over the past few years I had noticed these interesting bike stations popping up in large as well as smaller communities such as ours,” said Jack Farris, President of Marshfield Area Friends of the Trails.
The station is being donated to the City of Marshfield by the organization and was funded through donations, especially from Security Health Plan and the Marshfield Clinic Health System Cycling Club.
Purchased through the Sports Den from Wisconsin company, Saris, the deluxe repair station includes a number of tools that will allow cyclists to inflate their tires and use other tools such as wrenches and hex keys to do minor adjustments.
“We consider our role to support as well as advocate for an increase in safe alternative routes for all citizens,” said Farris. “Whether it be for running, biking, or dog walking, we want and continue to strive for an integrated system that will enhance our community.”
The location was chosen since it is a central location for a number of trails, including the Wildwood-McMillan Connector Trail (to be completed this fall). “Many individuals carry some tools but many riders do not,” said Farris. “With the addition of this station, which will be placed in an ideal location near a water supply and bathrooms, a biking family will have what they need to adjust minor problems that in the past would have shortened or ended their outing.”
Repair stations come with a QR code that cyclists can scan to get step-by-step instructions on how to use the tools, which are attached to heavy-duty cables. Two cyclists can use the repair station at a time and will be able to hang or dock their bikes.
The Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Committee accepted the gift during its June meeting. MAFOTT will work with the Parks and Recreation department to install the bike station later this summer.
