Public bicycle service station opens in Port Jervis

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — A new public-use bicycle service station has opened near the campground area of Elks Brox Park in Port Jervis, N.Y.
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.
An Orange County grant helped Port Jervis Free Library install the station. Representatives from Orange County’s Planning and Health Departments, together with the Port Jervis Free Library and Port Jervis Outdoor Club, gathered recently to unveil it.
“We are so excited to support the Port Jervis Outdoor Club with a free Bicycle Fixit Station,” said Beverly Arlequeeuw, library director. “The Fixit Station is another great service the library is proud to provide to the community.”
Funding to purchase the station was provided through the New York State Department of Health's Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program, 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.”
Since becoming established in 2016, the Watershed Park, which is accessed through Elks-Brox Park, has become a mountain biking mecca, with more than 25 miles of hiking and single-track, cross-country trails along three reservoirs. The park encompasses 1,868 acres in Port Jervis and an adjoining 370 acres in neighboring Deer Park.
For more information visit discoverportjervis.com/watershed-park.