Charity announces, ‘The Big Fix’ weekender. Over 1,200 free bike check events nationwide

Between 3-5 July 2026, the national cycling charity, Cycling UK is launching ‘The Big Fix’, a nationwide campaign currently offering 1,235 free bike checks and simple fix events across 449 locations to help people make more affordable everyday journeys. 

The campaign comes after the charity found in April, that nearly three in ten UK drivers (28%) are cycling or walking more to cut costs, with a further 15% considering doing the same as financial pressures continue to grow following the war in Iran and cost-of-living crisis.  

The charity has mapped out over 1,200 free bike check events across 449 locations, bringing together retailers Evans Cycles and Halfords, alongside independent retailers represented by the Association of Cycle Traders, and Cycling UK’s own network of community projects and programmes.  The three-day campaign focuses on helping as many bikes as possible get back on the road. For bikes that need more extensive repairs, attendees will receive expert advice, helpful information, and guidance on where to go next. 

Sarah Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cycling UK, said:  

We are thrilled to bring people The Big Fix! A nationwide event series taking place over three days, where people can get their bikes checked for free. With costs continuing to rise, cycling can give you the freedom to keep the journeys going for less. Whether you’re cycling the kids to school, driving to work or visiting family or friends, cycling is quick, cheap and reliable.

A simple repair or safety check can make all the difference, turning an unused bike into a reliable, low-cost way to get around when times are tough. Through The Big Fix, we hope to empower more people to rediscover cycling, not just as a way to save money, but to keep healthy, and stay more active and connected to their community.

Cycling UK will also be offering attendees a 20% discount on membership, giving new joiners access to a wide range of practical support and benefits. These include expert guidance on bike maintenance skills to keep bikes on the road, third‑party liability insurance for peace of mind on every ride and free legal advice following any cycling incidents. Members can also take advantage of discounts for future cycling kit and services, as well as being part of a nationwide community working to make cycling safer and more accessible for everyone. 

Find your nearest free bike fix event by visiting: www.cyclinguk.org/bigfix 

‘The Big Fix’ turns Cycling UK’s existing programmes, partners and networks into a response to the affordability of transport at a time when money is tight. The charity suggests by swapping just a few shorter journeys a week people can save money, as well as improve their own health.  

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, said: 

We’re seeing it more and more — people are looking for affordable ways to make everyday journeys. Cycling has a huge role to play as a cheaper and healthier way to travel, and sometimes a bike just needs a quick fix to make it usable again. ‘The Big Fix’ is a fantastic initiative that provides that helping hand to get people started, and I’d urge people to get out over the first weekend of July and bring their bike back to life.

Cycling UK says people need affordable ways to keep making everyday journeys, arguing that cycling can play a key role alongside other transport options. In its April YouGov poll, the charity found that this was something people were already receptive to doing as driving less and walking or cycling more outpaced all other responses to save money. This included using public transport instead of driving (23%), car‑sharing (9%), going out less (27%), or cutting back elsewhere to afford petrol (19%). The data also revealed people who drive are also relying more on public transport to save on fuel with 23% of respondents stating they are using buses and trains to replace car journeys and a further 13% are also currently considering doing this. 

Pippa Wibberley, Director of Cycling at Halfords, said: 

At Halfords, we know that a bike can be one of the most affordable, practical and enjoyable ways to get around, but only if people feel confident that it is safe and ready to ride.

That is why we are proud to support Cycling UK’s Big Fix and help more people access free bike checks in communities across the country. Whether someone is getting back on a bike for the first time in years, cycling to work, riding with their family or simply looking for ways to make everyday journeys cost less, a quick check and simple advice can make a real difference.

By working together across the cycling sector, we can help bring more unused bikes back onto the road and give people the confidence to choose cycling for more of their everyday journeys.

Jonathan Harrison, Director of Association of Cycle Traders, said: 

’The Big Fix’ is a brilliant initiative by Cycling UK, bringing together every corner of the UK’s cycling sector to get more people making journeys by bike. Across the country, there are thousands of bikes sitting unused in sheds or rusting in gardens that could be brought back to life with a simple repair.

Cycle businesses are vital in providing the expertise, services and support people need to keep their bikes safe and roadworthy. At a time when many households are feeling the squeeze, getting a bike back on the road can open up a more affordable way to travel. By working together, we can help people unlock low-cost, reliable journeys for shorter trips, saving money while still getting where they need to go.

Matthew Atkinson, Head of Cycling Development at Evans Cycles, said: 

At Evans Cycles, we see first-hand how small interventions can make a big difference. By supporting ‘The Big Fix’, we’re helping more people turn underused bikes into a reliable, low-cost transport solution, and that’s never been more important.

Find your nearest free bike fix event by visiting: www.cyclinguk.org/bigfix