Just like you see auto service stations along the highway, you can now expect bicycle self-serve repair kiosks along Minneapolis bike paths. The name of the project is called Bike Fixation, which features vending machines full of bike parts, bike tools and snacks. The machines are sturdy and are built to withstand the elements or even vandalism. The first kiosk to be built is located at the Uptown Transit Station just off the Midtown Greenway. The next location to feature a kiosk is at the Uptown Wedge. By next year, there could be several kiosks in place around Minneapolis. There are other U.S. cities such as Madison, WI that already have their own bike part vending machines, according to Conservation Minnesota bike enthusiast, Rick Fuentes. When I asked Rick if he would use the new service, he said he would without doubt. "Having a place to make on-the-go repairs makes it much more pleasurable than sitting on a curb on the side of the road trying to fix your bike and get going again," Rick said. He predicts that more people will start biking to work if they know they can repair on the go. In 2009 alone, 96,000 Minnesotans biked or walked to work. Bike Fixation could very well double that number when you also take rising gas prices into consideration. To stay updated on Bike Fixation kiosk developments, you can go to their website.