New Bike Repair Station Damaged Days After Unveiling In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — A new self-service bike repair station at Calf Pasture Beach was damaged just days after it was unveiled to the public on Friday, according to city officials.

City spokesperson Josh Morgan said Tuesday the station was damaged by children climbing and swinging on it.

"Obviously kids weigh more and use significantly more force than holding a bike," Morgan said in an email Tuesday, "so the repair stand ended up tipping over and the bolts that secured it to the ground were bent."

According to Morgan, the repair station does not appear to be damaged in any measurable way, however it needs to be re-secured to the ground. The city will likely add a separate concrete pad with longer bolts when it gets reinstalled, Morgan said.

Morgan also noted a police report has not been filed regarding the incident, however the city may add additional cameras in the area.

"We are hopeful people will understand it's a repair station," Morgan said, "and not a piece of playground equipment."

The repair station was unveiled at the beach Friday, and city officials noted in a news release it was meant to celebrate National Bike Month. It is located near the main patio at Calf Pasture, with easy access to the Norwalk River Valley Trail.

See also: Norwalk Unveils Bike Repair Station At Calf Pasture Beach

The repair station is free to use and contains tools necessary to make minor repairs, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools are securely fastened to the repair stand, which can accommodate all types of bicycles, and includes a work platform.

According to the Norwalk Hour, the station was damaged within 48 hours of its unveiling Friday and had been roped off with yellow caution tape as of Monday while the town Recreation Department determines the best way to repair it.