A bike-repair station is pictured in Strathcona Island Park near the boat launch (Photo by Charles Lefebvre)

By Charles Lefebvre

Help for cyclists

Bike repair stations set up on city trails

Aug 22, 2019 | 5:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The City of Medicine Hat has made it easier for cyclists to repair their bicycles while out on the trails.

Several bike repair stations have been installed by the Parks and Recreation Department around the city, with four being installed in recent weeks.

“One of our main objectives is to keep people active, and for people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and we thought a bike repair station we thought was a good amenity to include,” said Randy Taves, manger of parks projects with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Stations are located at Strathcona Island Park, Police Point Park, Saamis Heights, Ross Glen Trail and the Burnside Trail.

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The stations include an air pump, screwdrivers and wrenches to help with problems that arise during trail rides, such as flat tires and broken or loose chains.

“This gives them an opportunity if they want to stop and have a rest, maybe pump up their tires a little bit, they found they were a little bit flat, or they want to tighten a few bolts or screws,” said Taves.

Greg Watson, a long-time cyclist and owner of Cyclepath, welcomes the new stations.

“It’s a tremendous step forward into recognizing the cycling community within our city,” he said. “I think the people and families that enjoy the path are going to appreciate that.”

Watson says it is important for cyclists of all experience levels to check their bike before they head out on trails, noting not all cyclists do this.

“I think people are excited to get on their bikes and away they go, and sometimes they don’t do the best check over before they leave,” he said. “Halfway through the ride, they think ‘oh no, our tires are low’ or perhaps the seat needs to be adjusted, and there’s nowhere to do that.”

Taves says the plan for the city right now is to monitor the current number of bike stations in the city and listen to feedback to determine of any more repair stations will be added on trails.