Goshen, N.Y. - Representatives from Orange County’s Planning and Health Departments, together with the Port Jervis Free Library and Port Jervis Outdoor Club, recently unveiled a new public-use bicycle service station near the campground area of Elks Brox Park.
The Dero Fixit station features all of the materials needed to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance. Attached by stainless steel cables are a number of tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and two tire levers. Adjacent to the station is a heavy-duty air pump. Residents change a flat tire, adjust the brakes and gears, or fix a wobbly seat. The library’s bicycle service station is free for public use.
“We are so excited to support the Port Jervis Outdoor Club with a free Bicycle Fixit Station,” said Beverly Arlequeeuw, Director of the Port Jervis Free Library. “The Fixit Station is another great service the library is proud to provide to the community.”
Funding to purchase the station was provided through a NYSDOH grant, Creating Healthy Schools and Communities, managed by the Orange County Health and Planning Departments. The grant is a public health initiative aimed at reducing the major risk factors of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases by increasing opportunities for daily physical activity in the Newburgh, Middletown and Port Jervis School Districts.
“I’m proud to work with my department, the Planning Department and the Port Jervis Library and Outdoor Club to help promote a bicycle-friendly environment,” Orange County Commissioner of Health Dr. Irina Gelman said. “We hope this will encourage residents to participate in outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles.”
Added Orange County Legislator Tom Faggione who represents Port Jervis: “As a member of the Outdoor Club, I’m excited about this equipment being installed on the trails. It’s a useful asset that the entire community can enjoy.”
Free and convenient access to the Fixit Station and other initiatives to promote bicycle infrastructure, not only helps encourage people to be more active, but bolsters economic development.
“This is a great catalyst for downtown businesses to support the work we are doing so close to the City,” said Mike Ward, President of the Port Jervis Outdoor Club. “The installation of the first station has already sparked interest in local business owners to sponsor more stations near our almost 40 miles of new trails.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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