Convenience Stop Makes Life Easier for Bike Commuters
A prototype Trek Stop Cycling Convenience Center was assembled on June 30 just off the bike path in Madison, Wisconsin.
Trek Stop is a 24/7/365 convenience center for cyclists which provides access to cycling products, information and a safe place to work on your bike. Need a tube at midnight? Need some air on the way to your morning commute? Not sure of the best route to get where you’re going? Need a poncho, some wetwipes, or a power bar?
Trek Stop’s got you covered . This full service vending machine is stocked with bicycle products, food and cold drinks, and features an information center which includes maps, a message board, and advertising space for local events and announcements. There’s also a covered maintenance area with a work stand, free air, and even how-to videos a cyclist can play with the push of a button just in case their having trouble fixing that flat or repairing their chain.
The idea for Trek Stop came about a few years ago, when the Advanced Concept Group (ACG) at Trek Bikes, a crew of industrial designers led by Mike Hammond, began thinking of ways to make bicycle commuting more viable.
“Motorists have it easy,” says Hammond. “Gas stations, convenience stores, auto parts stores, tow trucks—you name it. The support network for cars far outclasses cyclists. The Trek Stop aims to change that by breaking down some of the ‘worries’ attached to cycling.”
“We got a budget together and started sketching out ideas. At that time, we found out that Aaron Goss and his wife (of Aaron’s Bicycles in Seattle, WA) had already set up a vending machine so that was encouraging,” added Hammond.
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Trek Stop’s construction consists of a regular vending machine, a small air compressor and a PC which runs the two video screens. All of this is housed in a weatherproof box made locally by Hoffman Manufacturing Corp. Add a repair stand and aesthetics, and you’ve got one very cool, very functional Cycling Convenience Center, a.k.a. Trek Stop.
Trek Stop was designed to be an extension of a real bike shop, not to replace one. Cyclists will still need the services and products found at local bike shops, but will have the convenience of 24 hour access to specific products and information.
For more information on Trek Stop contact Mike Hammond at mike_hammond@trekbikes.com or Rebecca Anderson at rebeccca_anderson@trekbikes.com.
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Lance Says:
Cool idea – now if we just had more of them!
sydney Says:
That is a good idea. We have some high traffic bike paths where something like that would make a lot of sense.
Darryll White Says:
Excellent idea. Every step in the direction of making it easier and safer for bicyclist will further promote the concept of cycling as a lifestyle. Granted more safe, car free bike paths that create practical routes for day to day living is the primary step that would really make the difference in changing our culture relative to cycling. However, a paradigm shift is also necessary so that people are less apt to think “car” first. The implementation of ideas like Trek Stop are necessary steps in changing the paradigm. Lets keep up the momentum!
ross sherbak Says:
these are great..would love these on the bike paths on the beach here in southern california!!!
John Smith Says:
Great idea! How do I get one for my community?
Kristin Says:
Fantastic – one of these at the Mount Stromlo Bike Park in Canberra would be ideal. Great PR for TREK as it captures the roadies using the crit course plus the mountain bikers. The demand is there for the Trek Self Service Centre as there are a LOT of people using the park each week plus cycling events are held just about every weekend.
Phil Gamble Says:
A few of these strategically positioned on our bikes paths in the outer suburbs of Melbourne would be akin to a mirage that materializes as an oasis! Particularly when, as many of us have experienced, it’s the simple mechanical hiccups that can make or break an otherwise great day of cycling. You’re on the right TREK …. A winner!
RJH Says:
Great, let me know how I can introduce this to Australia !
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Susan Chamberlin Says:
I work near the Microsoft campus in Redmond WA, which is about a mile from the Marymoor Park Velodrome and Sammamish rail trail. I live in Carnation, with another rail trail, mtb trails at Tolt MacDonald park, and a great road biking route. Please let me know if you are going forward with Bike stops, I would like to help, and I have a friend with vending machine experience.
Thanks