Influence of Bike Fix-it Station on Active Transportation to or from School

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of bike fix-it stations on active transportation (AT) awareness and behaviors among students at 3 suburban middle schools in Colorado. Self-reported barriers to AT also were recorded. Methods: The schools installed bike fix-it stations for use to perform minor bike repairs. A questionnaire was developed by the school district and used to assess AT behaviors and barriers before and approximately one semester after installation. Survey results from the individual schools were combined for analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and nonparametric tests were used to determine if differences existed, pre- to post-survey. Results: The majority (80%) of respondents had not used the station at post-survey. No statistically significant difference existed in the number of days respondents biked to school each week before or after installation. Commonly reported barriers to AT included time, distance, weather, and having things to carry. Conclusions: The installation of bike fix-it stations alone did not change AT behavior, although the students surveyed often were not aware of the station and did not feel capable of using it without additional training. Policies and programs should address barriers to AT.