WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — The cyclist rolled his ride up to the new bike repair station at the Ironton Rail Trail pavilion, looked up from it with a wry smile and spoke.
“Now this is something to get pumped up about!” he said.
The bad pun aside, bikers will benefit greatly from the repair station, which was donated by Whitehall Area Rotary Club and formally dedicated Monday morning.
"It's a wonderful addition to the trail."
Ed Hozza, president, Whitehall Area Rotary Club
Standing about five feet high, the Dero Fixit Plus repair station includes all the tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches, needed to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance.
Those include pumping up tires, changing a flat and adjusting brakes and derailleurs, a common type of gear shifting system.
Dero-designed tools are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms will let the pedals and wheels spin freely while adjustments are made.
The bike repair station, which costs about $2,500, was donated by the Rotary Club through a matching grant from Rotary District 7430.
Trail heavily used by cyclists
The repair station was placed at the pavilion during spring.
“Members of the Ironton Rail Trail appreciate the donation from the Rotary Club,” Ironton Rail Trail Secretary and Events Coordinator Ray Bieak said.
“Many bikers have used it already. They’ve found it very helpful when they ride the trail.”
Ironton Rail Trail Secretary and Events Coordinator Ray Biea
“Many bikers have used it already. They’ve found it very helpful when they ride the trail.”
The bike repair station on Ironton Rail Trail, or IRT, is the second in Whitehall; the other is at the North Whitehall Trail.
According to usage statistics from the bike repair station grant, trail use by cyclists and pedestrians continues to be robust.
The IRT estimates the Whitehall-Coplay part of the five-mile loop and four-mile spur is used by more than 153,000 individuals a year, or 416 per day.
Of those, more than 40% are cyclists.
“It’s a wonderful addition to the trail,” Rotary Club President Ed Hozza said. “We hope that many bikers take advantage of it.”