Bovey Tracey gains free bike repair station for cyclists using local trails
A new £1,200 bike maintenance point has opened in Bovey Tracey, giving cyclists free access to tools and equipment for basic repairs near popular routes including the Wray Valley Trail and Stover Trail
Cyclists passing through Bovey Tracey can now use a new free bike repair station installed in the town's Station Road car park.
The £1,200 maintenance point has been donated by members of South Devon Cyclists Touring Club (SDCTC) and includes a repair stand, high-pressure pump and a range of tools for carrying out basic repairs.
The facility is available around the clock and is located next to the existing bike storage units.
SDCTC Promotions Officer Graham Brodie said Bovey Tracey's position between the coast and Dartmoor made it a suitable location for the new facility.
"Bovey is on a bit of an axis between the coast and the moors and it does get a lot of cyclists," he said.
"It’s actually one of the few towns in Teignbridge which is well served for cycling."
The town is close to several popular cycling routes, including the Wray Valley Trail, Stover Trail and Teign Valley.
Mr Brodie said the repair point was designed to help cyclists deal with minor issues while out on their rides.
"You can get your bike off its wheels, it’s got a high-pressure pump which will do all tyres and incorporated with it is a little set of tools including Allen keys and pliers, so anyone capable of basic repairs can fix their bikes," he said.
The unit is the second repair point donated by the club, with another installed at Stover Country Park as part of its recent regeneration programme.
Funding for the station came from SDCTC membership and club activities, including events such as the Devon Delight Audax and the Dartmoor Devil, which starts from Bovey Tracey in October.
Mr Brodie said the club wanted to use any surplus from its activities for public benefit.
"They don’t have a huge entrance fee but we tend to make a surplus, so as a charity we thought let’s put it to public good use," he said.
The bike repair point has been adopted by Bovey Tracey Town Council, which will work with the club on future maintenance.
Mayor Councillor Sheila Brooke welcomed the addition, saying the facility was part of wider efforts to encourage activity in the town.
"It’s great, the more activity we have in Bovey Tracey the better," she said.
"The support we get from clubs and other users is phenomenal and is what makes Bovey so special."
The council also highlighted other community facilities in the town, including the outdoor gym at Mill Marsh Park, the play park and plans to refurbish the basketball area.
A major refurbishment of the Prince Rupert Way play park in Heathfield is also planned, subject to the site being acquired from Teignbridge District Council.