Free monthly bike check-ups return to Reading town centre

Cyclist can have their bikes checked over for free in Reading town centre with the return of the Dr Bike pop-up sessions.

The Council has teamed up with Avanti Cycling once again to offer the handy monthly service for the third consecutive year.

Free sessions are also on offer to bike owners who want to learn more about basic maintenance and for adults who never learned to cycle or who need refresher training.

The Council sponsors the sessions as part of its programme to promote active travel in the borough.

The Dr Bike team will be outside Sainsbury’s in Broad Street on the first Thursday of the month, between 11am-2pm.

Cyclists can just turn up with their bikes and experienced mechanics will carry out free maintenance checks, basic repairs and give safety tips and information about cycling in Reading.

Dr Bike will be in the town centre on: 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September, 1 October and 5 November.

Free bike maintenance workshops are also on offer throughout the year at Reading Bike Hub and Reading Bike Kitchen in the town centre. Experienced mechanics teach adult bike owners the basics of how to keep their two wheels on the road.

Adults can also learn to cycle with free training held at various locations around the borough and there are also Rusty Riders sessions for those who have not cycled for some time. Women only sessions are also available.

Last year, more than 230 people took part in the adult cycle training courses.

Avanti Cycling also delivers cycle safety courses at Reading schools on behalf of the Council. Around 1,800 children take one of the Bikeability cycle training courses every year, while around 200 younger children took part in the Learn to Ride training, and road safety education workshops were delivered to 35 primary schools in the borough last year.

Emma Gee, Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services, said:

“The number of people cycling in Reading is increasing and we want to see those numbers continue to grow.

“The programme of active travel sessions funded by the Council enables people to have their bicycles checked by experienced mechanics, learn how to look after their bike and even learn how to cycle, all for free.

“With spring upon us, this is the ideal time to get out and about on your bicycle and take advantage of these free activities.

“I would also encourage parents to put their children forward for the Bikeability cycle training courses at school so they can experience the joy of cycling safely.”

For more details, visit: www.reading.gov.uk/cycle