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When your bike is busted, head to the subway…to fix it

On Tuesday, bike-repair stops began to appear at subway stations in Toronto. The city's transit system, the TTC, launched a program that puts a pump and tools near a station's bike racks.

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On Tuesday, bike-repair stops began to appear at subway stations in Toronto. The city’s transit system, the TTC, launched a program that puts a pump and tools near a station’s bike racks.

​”The TTC is committed to enhancing mobility options in Toronto,” said TTC chair, Coun. Josh Colle in a statement. “By adding bicycle infrastructure at TTC stations and on buses, we’ve made it easier for our riders to complete the first- and last-mile legs of their trips.” Colle unveiled the first repair stop at Davisville station. Nine more are planned to go up by the end of month at Bathurst​, Downsview, Dupont, Finch, Kipling, Keele, Kennedy, Pape and Spadina.

At noon on Tuesday, Canadian Cycling Magazine checked out the stations near its offices. Bathurst still hadn’t been outfitted with the bike-repair setup. At Spadina station, there was still dust on the ground showing that the concrete and bricks had recently been drilled. The wheel stand, pump and tool holder were secured into place. The pump can work with Schrader and Presta valves. There’s an excellent range of tools including Phillips and slot screwdrivers, wrenches (8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 15 mm and 32 mm), Allen keys and two tire levers.

The 10 stations that are part of this pilot project were chosen because they had existing bike parking, bike routes and trails in the vicinity and enough physical space. Also, bike activity in the surrounding area was taken into consideration. The TTC plans to monitor how these repair stops perform during the upcoming year with an eye to expanding the program to other stations.

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