CYCLISTS looking for help with bike maintenance are invited to come on down to Reading town centre this week – the doctor is in.
Reading Borough Council is launching a new programme of free adult cycle training workshops, which will include details on how to look after the two-wheeled transport.
They launch on Thursday, March 14 with a pop-up repair shop in Broad Street.
Dr Bike will be on hand close to Marks & Spencer to look over bikes, offer advice and help with repairs. The session runs from 11am to 2pm.
The new project includes guided rides, and cycle training sessions to help adults get used to like on two wheels. Some of the sessions will be for women only.
The project is being delivered by Avanti Cycling.
The Dr Bike pop-up sessions will be 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.
For Thursday’s session, members of the public are invited to drop by with their bikes for a free maintenance check, basic fixes and safety tips or just to 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 is 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.”
The partnership is welcome news to Karen Robertson, from Avanti Cycling, who said it is a great opportunity for residents to improve their cycling skills and get their bikes checked over to ensure they are road-worthy.
“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,” she said.
The programme is paid for through the government’s Capability Fund allocated to local councils to promote cycling and walking.
For more details, log on to: https://www.reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport/cycling/
