For campus cyclists, the all-in-one Dero FixIt is a convenient, walk-up “do it yourself” station that provides all the tools necessary to perform basic bike maintenance and repairs – from changing a flat tire to brake and seat adjustments. Users can access step-by-step instructions for some repairs through a QR code.
Located on the Student Union North Patio, the Dero FixIt repair stand features a raised hanger arm to suspend bikes, stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners attached to a variety of tools and an air pump. It is the result of a student initiative to make UNC Charlotte more bike friendly.
In fall 2012, then UNC Charlotte senior and student employee Trevor Williams approached Student Union management staff with a proposal to install a bicycle repair station on campus. Williams, an active cyclist, had been in several conversations with other cyclists and campus community members about the absence of on-campus maintenance and repair support for their vehicles.
Williams’ approach met a positive response from Student Union Executive Director Jerry Mann, and in November 2012, then-UNC Charlotte Cyclist Club president Ray Atkinson joined Williams and Mann to brainstorm funding sources and the feasibility and timeline of a repair station’s installation.
“Ray and the Cyclists Club loved the idea,” said Williams. “They’re always pushing for more bike racks and different ways to get the Charlotte Area Bike Initiative (which Atkinson also represents) going. Their support really highlighted the campus community’s stakes in and desire for more things like the repair station at UNC Charlotte.”
After conducting research about other campuses with successful repair station units, Williams and Atkinson brought the proposal to the Student Union Advisory Board. Members supported the pitch for a beta installation at the Student Union and a plan for campus-wide installations pending the success of the pilot station at the Union.
“The promotion of the station and future expansions throughout campus has just begun,” said Atkinson. “I’m looking forward to future partnerships between the Student Union, the Cyclists Club, parking and transportation services, the Charlotte Green Initiative and many other green groups. By uniting, communicating and working together, we’re well on the way to making campus a safer, more convenient place to ride a bicycle.”