Arsaga’s owner Cary Arsaga (standing) and local contractor Marc Gunter work to install a new bicycle repair station Wednesday afternoon near the Frisco Trail entrance of the new coffee shop and creperie off Dickson Street.
Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer staff
If you find yourself with a loose lug or a low tire on your next downtown bike ride, you’ll be happy to know there’s a new bicycle repair station that’s free to use on Frisco Trail.
The new station was installed Wednesday afternoon at the trailside entrance of the new Arsaga’s coffee shop and creperie, thanks to a collaborative effort from a local resident, two business owners and an area non-profit organization.
The new station is located at the northwest corner of Arsaga’s.
Photo: Todd Gill
Quin Thompson, an avid cyclist and Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks board member who recently took a position in the city’s planning department, came up with the idea when he saw a similar workstation in North Little Rock.
“I just thought, ‘I wonder what it would take to get those up in Fayetteville,'” said Thompson. “I started asking around, and found some people who were receptive to the idea.”
Thompson approached High Roller Cyclery owner Chris Dillard, who agreed to purchase the repair station. From there, Arsaga’s owner Cary Arsaga agreed to have the station installed on the coffee shop property next to Frisco Trail, and the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks agreed to maintain the stand for two years using a $500 grant promised from the Parker Thompson Family Foundation (via the Arkansas Community Foundation.)
Dero Fixit repair station
Photo: Todd Gill
The Dero Fixit station includes an air pump and several tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes. The tools and pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables. Hanging the bike from the included hanger arms allows a bike’s pedals and wheels to spin freely during adjustments.
Thompson said he hopes more repair stands can be installed through similar collaborations.
“I’m considering this a pilot,” he said. “I know there are other bike shops in town that would be interested in sponsoring these along the trails.”
Sponsors looking for some kind of recognition for their donation – such as a sign or a plaque – would need to find a private owner who is willing to install a station on their property.
“For now, I’m just excited to see one installed,” said Thompson.
