What is the Big Bike Revival?

The programme follows the Fix-Learn-Ride model, supporting new and returning cyclists to choose the bike for utility and leisure cycling through teaching skills, fixing bikes and delivering led rides.

As the country responds to the coronavirus crisis, Cycling UK has committed to extending this scheme via Dr Bike sessions delivered by mechanics in local communities for everyone, and at workplaces over the summer and into winter 2020.

These sessions are available nationwide and anybody can access the upcoming events - including children - to help build on the cycling habits of the next generation. We will also be running Dr Bike sessions in schools for the first time, enabling young people to get their bikes fixed up so that they can participate in confidence-boosting Bikeability training.

The Big Bike Revival scheme provides funding and support, so that independent bike shops, bicycle recycling organisations and not-for-profit cycling groups can offer assistance to those who need it.

From bike safety checks and repairs to bike loans – this scheme will ensure that everyone can get from A to B on two wheels.

 

 

*Services available include:

*Free at the point of access

• Bike safety checks
• Bike servicing and repairs
• Bike and equipment loans
• Dr Bike sessions
• Some free equipment and accessories
• Support and advice

Who has the Big Bike Revival helped in 2020?

Kerry Catlin, from Burton got her bike fixed earlier this summer enabling her to resume cycling to the hospital where she works during lockdown. Kerry took her bike to Life Cycle UK in Derby in June for a bike service, allowing her to continue cycling the two miles to her place of work.

Kerry said: “The Big Bike Revival has helped me get to my place of work safely and with a confidence that I can rely on my bike. I also use it for family rides which is a great way for us to get together after work and school I have always tended to commute by bike anyway even before lockdown. Since lockdown it has become even more important to me.”

Eric Daye, a grandfather from Prestwich hadn’t ridden a bicycle for 15 years until he took his old two-wheeler out of the loft and along to a free bike-fixing session at the hospital where he works as a porter. The 66-year-old said the bike was in a poor state of repair but once it had new brakes and the gears were adjusted, he was ready, albeit a little nervous, to get back on the saddle.

“When I first went out I was scared because it had been a long time since I had done it,” he said. “ I was knackered when I got to the end of the ride but I keep going out and now I am noticing I am going further and getting fitter.”