A new bike repair station has been implemented at Bonhill Bridge to encourage local commuters to cycle without fear of faults.
The repair station is equipped with apparatus to repair punctures and other faults, with the unit containing pumps and other tools, alongside basic information on how to check your bike.
However, the cyclist must have a puncture repair kit.
The unit was put in place by Sustrans Scotland, which has worked closely with the Bonhill and Dalmonach community council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Councillor Ian Dickson, The Leamy Foundation, and the Vale of Leven Trust to deliver it.
Cosmo Blake, Network Engagement Manager of Sustrans Scotland, explained why the station needed to be put in place, saying: “We used all the organisations - mentioned above - as a steering group to find out what was needed and to realise what we had to bring to the local area.
“One of the things raised was a bicycle repair station, to have a location to support and encourage people to use their bikes.
“This is so people know that even though they might have a problem with their bike, they can go a bit further for advice.
“We worked with the Vale of Leven Trust and Sculpture and Design, with the spot being identified by the community.”
The Vale of Leven Trust was one of the groups pivotal in the introduction of the bicycle repair station, with the group posting the finished result on their social media.
However, despite the positive response on their social media, there seems to be an overwhelming lack of faith from the community that the unit will remain vandalism free.
One user commented: “Great idea, but it is a 100 percent fact that the young ones will destroy it in a matter of weeks, they can’t see anything good around here that they don’t feel the need to destroy. Shame really, but that’s just how they are.”
Janice Ross of the Vale of Leven trust has faith in the community to embrace the unit, she said: “The unit is built very robustly to prevent people damaging them, but there was a really positive response.
“It doesn’t worry us because lots of commuters and local people ride
bikes so it will be a real bonus for them.”
Sustrans Scotland has worked with local youth groups and the Vale of Leven Academy to get feedback, help and teach young people about the project.
