Cole McNamee Capstone

Student Bicycle Repair Access Initiative

My Capstone project, the Student Bicycle Repair Access Initiative, focused on improving access to bicycle repair knowledge and tools for students and community members. My original plan was to install public bike repair stands alongside a website that could help users diagnose issues with their bicycles. Due to permitting delays and time limitations, the project evolved into creating a detailed bicycle problem diagnosis sheet and organizing tools that could eventually support a student-accessible repair station. Throughout the project, I spent many hours at my bike shop’s Manayunk location learning bicycle maintenance and repair techniques so I could better understand how to identify common mechanical issues and explain solutions clearly to beginner riders. I also worked on organizing and preparing tools to be transferred for future student use. Through this process, I learned not only technical repair skills, but also how real world projects normally require adaptation, problem solving, and changes in direction while still maintaining the original focus. My final product is a diagnosis guide and collection of repair resources designed to help people troubleshoot and better understand problems with their bicycles in an approachable and accessible way.