Workshop gives students tools for proper bike care

By Kayla Phelps

Students pedaled their way to the basement of Blazer Hall Wednesday for a bike maintenance clinic.

As part of Earthdays in the Bluegrass, sponsored by Residence Life Recycling and UK Greenthumb, the clinic was free to all students and highlighted the importance of bike maintenance while encouraging students to ride.

Shane Tedder hosted the event and took students through a step-by-step process for bike maintenance called “ABC Quick Check.” Tedder borrowed this acronym from the League of American Bicyclists and said that it was an easy way to make sure all components are in check.

Lack of air in the tires is the number one reason why people do not ride their bikes, Tedder said. It is important to check the air at least once a week to prevent pinch flats and to make riding more efficient. Air stations are located on campus at Wildcat Wheels Bike Library and the Johnson Center.

If brakes are functioning properly then there should be a skid on dry surfaces when used, he said. The brake lever should not be within an inch of the handlebar.

Tedder said chains and crank are not as easy to check, but just as important. The crank should be tight and the chain should be lubricated once or twice a week.

Maintenance issues aren’t the only problem for bikers on campus  — they also struggle with other students, faculty and staff on campus who aren’t riding a bike.

“The biggest challenge as a bike rider on campus is people who are on the phone or listening to their iPods and almost walk right out in front of you,” said freshman Nick Tonini.

Tedder advised cyclists about riding defensively and said to “ride like someone is going to hit you.” He said the only way to reduce bicycle and automobile accidents is to have more bikes on the road.

Wildcat Wheels is a free service to students, faculty and staff. Rather than being a drop off service, it is a chance for students to step in and learn how to properly fix their bike.

Recently they have installed two 24/7 air stations on campus — one at their actual bike library located in the basement of Blazer Hall, and the other at the Johnson Center.

For more information on bicycle repair or how to start riding, Wildcat Wheels is open on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.