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| Two young cyclists at the bike repair station at B Street and Memorial Drive. |
The Dero Fix-it bike repair station recently installed on the River Walk by Memorial Drive and B Street is the first of its kind in Idaho Falls. The station includes a bike stand with tools that are connected by cables. The station also includes pumps that accommodate different valve types. There’s even a QR code on the tower that cyclists can scan with their smartphones to get instructions on such things as fixing a flat tire, adjusting gears and removing a wheel.
Idaho Falls Community Pathways is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting people-powered transportation in Idaho Falls. The organization raised the $1,600 needed for the repair station through donations and fund-raising events such as Earth Day and the Foothills to Freedom Run.
“There are similar devices around the Boise and Jackson pathways,” said IFCP Secretary, Mitch Plummer. “We’d like to see other stations along the River Walk in Idaho Falls and would encourage other organizations to help sponsor them.”
Since 2007, IFCP has also installed flags at more than 60 pedestrian crosswalks throughout Idaho Falls and surrounding areas. Maintenance of the flags is provided by donations, grant money from Walmart and the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Over the last several years, the organization has also worked with the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department to leverage approximately $90,000 in Safe Routes to School grants to build bike and pedestrian pathways at Eagle Rock and Taylorview Junior High Schools.
“We are very fortunate to have such an engaged and active organization committed to working with the city to provide safe non-motorized pathways in and around Idaho Falls,” said Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Director, Greg A. Weitzel.
The Parks and Recreation Department is also working on installing six new bike racks to be located next to the restrooms around the River Walk.
“We are grateful for this generous donation. As Idaho Falls becomes a more bike-friendly city, I hope we will see more repair stations and bike racks spring up to support maximum enjoyment for our community,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper.
