September 26, 2005 Source: University of Toronto:
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/050926-1668.asp Repair shop hub for cyclists Free self-help bicycle repair shop and resource centre open to all university members
Sep 26/05
by Sonnet L'Abbé (about) (email) Making the choice to bike to campus got a little bit easier last week when U of T launched the BikeChain, a free self-help bicycle repair shop and resource centre open to all university members. Open to staff, faculty and students while weather permits, the BikeChain is located in the parking lot beneath the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at 252 Bloor St. W. Riders can come in for assistance to fix a flat tire, do a tune-up, adjust brakes and gears, get brake pads replaced or clean their chains. A full bike repair tool set and a pump are on hand and replacement parts are available at cost. Two people who have experience fixing bikes will be on duty weekday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The BikeChain initiative is the brainchild of recent U of T environmental studies graduate, Carlene Thatcher-Martin, who came across the University of British Columbia Bike Kitchen in the summer of 2004. Encouraged by the Bike Kitchen's rapid growth from very modest beginnings to success, she was inspired to start a similar project at the University of Toronto. "The BikeChain grew out of my interest in biking and out of seeing a need at U of T. We needed a space where cyclists of all kinds could come together," Thatcher-Martin said. Beth Savan, director of U of T's sustainability office, saw the project as a great fit with her unit's mandate to foster energy efficiency and environmental awareness in all aspects of campus life. Thatcher-Martin and Savan worked with such organizations as BikeShare, Curbside Cycle, U of T Police Service and the City of Toronto to develop and deliver the BikeChain's services and facilities. The opening coincided with Toronto's Car Free Day and featured exhibits, bike races and prizes, on-the-spot repairs and demonstrations of trick biking. The launch's festival atmosphere brought together cyclists of all colours and stripes. Leo Viveiros of campus police pedalled over to tell students how to register their bikes, while Evert Lamb of Curbside Cycle demonstrated, with a simple bar, how easy it was to break cheap bike locks. The Environmental Students' Association handed out literature on how bikes help reduce traffic congestion and promote cleaner air and the U of T Bicycle Choppers Club showed off their "chopped" bikes. "We're really excited about the project," said Rob Levan, vice-president of U of T's mountain biking team and BikeChain volunteer. "It's great when people know how to fix their bikes themselves. Anything that encourages independence in cyclists is a good thing." "The BikeChain provides a practical service but its main goal is to create a community, to create a cycling culture on campus," Savan explained. "Cycling culture is a mindset. It means that when people need to go somewhere less than five kilometres away, they don't hop into a car or a taxi. They get on their bike instead, knowing it's a quick, efficient and healthy means of transportation." Thatcher-Martin emphasized that when it comes to promoting cycling culture, education is one of the most important tools in the shop. "One of the best things about the BikeChain is that you can come in and say, I've got a flat tire, show me how to fix it. The staff will involve you. You'll be expected to be involved in that process."
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