Within 10 minutes, manager of MSU Bikes Service Center Tim Potter can make minor repairs on a bicycle, such as changing the oil on a chain or putting air in its tires.
During the course of the week, Potter has been offering his service to students for free in the residential neighborhoods in cooperation with Sustainability Week.
For the second year in a row, Potter set up stations to assist students passing by on their bikes.
The free minor maintenance clinics allow students to ride up and have Potter assess their bike and offer small repairs at no charge.
“It’s a way to give back to community and introduce people to the concept of maintaining their bikes,” Potter said.
Similar to how a doctor can sense what is wrong with a patient, Potter said he can tell what services a bike may need when it rides by – whether it be oil to fix squeaky chains or a seat adjustment.
Potter called out to students riding by with low tires asking them if they had a moment to have their bike checked out.
“A lot of times they don’t know they need air or oil, I see them ride by and see their tires are soft so I suggest giving them air,” Potter said.
Communication junior Elizabeth Vandenbil said she liked how the service center was offered in location easily accessible to her.
“It’s in a really convenient location I think with the halls ( Wonders and Case ) over here,” Vandenbil said. “It’s nice and only takes a few minutes out of your day and it lengthens the life of your bike.”
Potter said it does not take long for him to provide the minor assistance.
“Minor things can turn to major things if the bike has been neglected,” Potter said.
In addition to helping students with the technical difficulties, Potter said he likes to offer his advice on biking and talk to students about where they ride.
“I try to make sure people are safe and help them with other issues while working on their bike,” Potter said.
While Potter filled chemical engineering freshman Mason Sitar’s tires with air, they discussed the advantage of biking to classes.
“I like riding my bike to class because it’s a lot quicker than walking,” Sitar said.
Potter will continue to offer free service on Friday at Mason, Abbot, Snyder and Phillips halls from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
