Over 50 bikes were made safe to ride this winter after getting a healthy dose of free maintenance at a Dr Bike event last weekend.
Fifty-six bikes were brought in from across Attercliffe, Darnall and Tinsley for pre-booked “health check” appointments at Yorkshire Electric Scooters.
Mechanics were on hand to give the bikes an ‘M-Check’ – as well as provide minor repairs to parts such as brakes, gears, chains, tyres – to give cyclists peace of mind that they’re safe to ride.
The event was organised by Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, and funded by Cycling UK as part of the UK’s Big Bike Revival – which aims to encourage riders of all ages to get out on their bikes and learn how to keep them roadworthy.
Richard Caborn, former Government Minister and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Project Lead, said: “Whilst we have a lot of great real-estate on the park, from the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre to the University Technical College, events like these add a whole new dimension of community engagement.
“Physical activity in our community is so important and the park is dedicated towards getting local people moving, and moving more often. This is simple, but often very difficult, which is why we need brilliant schemes like this which make a real difference.”
Steve Haake, Chair of the Active Travel Advisory Board for Sheffield City Region, said: “It’s so nice to see something like this happening. With transforming cities funds, and the changes we’re going to see in the future with more cycle routes and active neighbourhoods, the next twenty years will be a real opportunity to make Sheffield a home for cycling.”
Paralympic gold medalist and Active Travel Commissioner for Sheffield City Region, Dame Sarah Storey, added: “Seeing the enthusiasm for bikes and the range of people who have attended the Big Bike Revival event today, just goes to show how accessible cycling is to everyone.
“Bikes don’t have to be fancy and cost a lot of money to get people safely from A to B, and I hope that everyone who has had their bike checked over and cycled away is able to continue to enjoy their cycling in 2021.”
To learn more about the Big Bike Revival, visit: https://www.cyclinguk.org/bigbikerevival/england
To find out about events in Sheffield via www.facebook.com/CyclingUKSheffield
Pictured L-R ; Richard Caborn (Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park), Dave Mellor (Woodside Bikeworks), Rob Mace (Cycling UK), Rob Jackson (Bike Revive Sheffield), Steve Haake (Active Travel Advisory Board)