Cyclists offered free bike repairs and new secure parking

Cyclists will be able to get their two-wheels checked out for free when the popular Dr Bike pop-up sessions return to Reading town centre this week.

The Dr Bike team will be on hand to carry out free maintenance checks, basic repairs and safety tips outside Sainsbury’s Broad Street, between 11am-2pm this Thursday (6 March).

Riders will also spot the installation of new cycle parking Streetpods around the town centre as part of a pilot scheme.

The bike maintenance sessions and parking facilities are being funded by the Council to promote active travel and, in turn, reduce private car journeys, improve air quality and benefit the health and wellbeing of residents.

Avanti Cycling will be delivering the Dr Bike session on the first Thursday of the month throughout the year, except August when Dr Bike will be held somewhere in the community (venue to be arranged).

The team will check and tune-up your bike, undertake free minor repairs and diagnose more complex repairs, and no appointment is necessary.

They will also be happy to give information about other free cycling activities on offer, including adult cycle training and bike maintenance workshops.

Details can be found at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport/cycling/.

To improve cycle parking facilities, the Council is installing 36 Streetpods in Broad Street, St Mary’s Butts – Broad Street junction, Cheapside and Reading West Station. 

Streetpods are a new type of on-street cycle parking facility which can be used to lock cycles more securely than more traditional models. The front wheel of the bike fits neatly into a secure shell made from recycled materials and there is a ring of reinforced solid steel to secure the rear wheel and frame using the cyclist’s own lock.

The Council is keen to hear feedback from cyclists and, if successful, will install more Streetpods when funding is available.

Find more details at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport/cycling/reading-streetpod-pilot/.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:

“The Council is keen for more people to get out and about on their bikes and the return of the Dr Bike sessions and more secure cycle parking in the town should help encourage that.

“Cyclists can have their bikes checked over and small repairs carried out for free and the new Streetpods provide peace of mind when parking your bike in town.

“If we can support more people to get on their bikes, we help reduce the number of cars on our roads which is better for everyone’s health and for the environment.

“This is also the perfect time of year to start getting out and about and enjoying the milder weather and longer days.”