Three repair stations for bicycles were installed in strategic places here by the Rotary Club of Jaen, in coordination with the local government, amid an unabated increase in oil prices.

Lawyer Sylvester Austria, the town vice mayor-elect who is the club’s charter president, said on Thursday the free bike repair stations are to help residents who use bikes as an inexpensive and healthy mode of transportation.

“Siyempre sa taas ng presyo ng gasolina at krudo ay mas na-encourage nito ang paggamit ng bike (Of course, with the rising prices of gasoline and crude oil, it encourages the use of bike),” Austria said in an interview, noting that the number of people who use bicycles continues to rise.

“Yun po ang purpose nitong public bike stations, makatulong sa mga bikers at mai-promote natin yung cycling as an alternative mode of transportation (This is the purpose of the public bike stations, to help the bikers and to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation),” he added.

Each station, Austria said, is equipped with tools, including an air pump, that bikers can freely use under a do-it-yourself set-up.

The repair stations are located at the municipal hall compound, San Agustin Parish and the Barangay Hall of Lambakin. (PNA)