A helmet, a water bottle, maybe a towel. That’s basically all a bike rider needs to hit the streets. They don’t carry wrenches and pedal repair gear, even though sometimes they are needed on the spot.
Wilton Downtown Improvement District (WDID) has a solution. They’ve installed a bike repair station on Wilton Drive and 21st Ct., on the corner across from Tulio’s.
The bike repair station is self-serve for any bicyclists in the area. The station provides a tool set including screwdrivers, pedal and cone wrenches, a hex key set and tire levers.
WDID Chair, Claudia Castillo, says the board sees more and more bicyclists in Wilton Manors, and this fills a need.
“The bike station allows repairs to occur in case someone finds themselves with a flat tire or any other common problem that can occur while riding a bicycle,” she said.
Wilton Manors City Commissioner Chris Caputo bikes just about everywhere he can. As Wilton’s unofficial Bicycler-In-Chief, he’s seen how bike-friendly communities improve.
“If you look anywhere else in the nation, when you build infrastructure, people bike more. I think it speaks to what residents want. More bikeable community.”
The station was installed by Leisure Services and the city will maintain its upkeep.
Castillo says it’s the latest in a long line of projects to show that “Life’s Just Better Here”.
”The bicycle racks and street furniture that were added have also enhanced the quality of life for tourists and the community on the Drive.”
The group isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
“The WDID is always working on new ideas and initiatives that will encourage and promote more walkability for pedestrians along Wilton Drive and to help the businesses. The Wilton Drive Street Lane Reduction Improvements that were completed last year consisted of expanded sidewalks, new bicycle lanes, safety crosswalks, lighting, and landscape improvements. Recently, new banners and branding elements were added along the Drive to make it more attractive and to provide information on events for the community.”
