Free cycle riding and bike maintenance sessions for Reading residents

Free adult cycle training and bike maintenance workshops are among a new programme of activities being offered to Reading residents by the Council.

Led cycle rides and walks are also being held to encourage active travel and to promote the health and wellbeing of residents.

A Dr Bike event is being held in Broad Street on Thursday 14 March, 11am-2pm, to launch the programme which is being funded by the Council and delivered by Avanti Cycling over the coming year.

Visitors to the event can find out more about free adult cycle training sessions that are being held for residents who want to gain the confidence to ride a bike whether it be for commuting, exercise or for enjoyment.

The programme includes:

• Training for complete beginners and rusty riders who want to refresh their cycling skills and build confidence.
• Sessions for those who want to gain the skills to tackle busier commuter routes with more complex junctions and infrastructure.
• Free adult bike maintenance workshops to help cyclists learn the basics of how to keep their two-wheels on the road. This covers a full bike check, repairing punctures and adjusting brakes and gears.
• Dr Bike pop-up sessions held in Reading town centre on the first Thursday of every month. The Avanti Cycling team will check and tune-up bicycles, undertake free minor repairs and diagnose more complex issues. They will also be happy to provide general advice on cycling and cycle route planning across Reading.
• Monthly led weekend leisure cycle rides in and around Reading, and led walks are also being planned.
• Cycle training and leisure cycles for women only

The first Dr Bike session is being held outside Sainsbury’s in Broad Street, Reading, between 11am-2pm on Thursday 14 March. Members of the public are invited to drop by with their bikes for a free maintenance check, basic fixes and safety tips or just find out more about the planned programme of cycling events.

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

“Our programme of free active travel sessions are a brilliant way of encouraging people to get back on their bikes and enjoy cycling.

“These sessions are ideal if you have a bike in your shed in need of repair and have not been on the saddle for a while, or if you have never cycled before and would like to learn.

“All the sessions are free to Reading residents and are part of the Council’s aims to promote active travel, reduce reliance on private cars, improve air quality and benefit people’s health and wellbeing.

“I would encourage people to come along to the Dr Bike event in Broad Street on 14 March to find out more or visit the Council’s website.”

Karen Robertson, from Avanti Cycling, said:

"This project is a great opportunity for people in Reading to progress their cycling skills, or get their bike checked over ready for the spring and summer ahead.

“Combining free lessons for everyone from complete beginner to gaining confidence cycling on roads, along with a series of leisure walks and rides to help promote health and wellbeing."

Cycling, walking and other forms of active travel play an important role in the Reading Transport Strategy, which includes projects to build more cycle lanes and improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

The programme is paid for through the government’s Capability Fund allocated to local councils to promote cycling and walking.

To find out more about the free sessions available through the Cycling for Active Travel & Leisure programme, visit:

https://www.reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport/cycling/.