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Dr Bike

Suitable for all pupils, staff, parents and carers.

Overview

Education phase

Early years Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Key stage 5 Key stage 1

Category of activity

Travel

Types of activity

Cycling

How it helps

  • Gateway to other cycling initiatives
  • Promotes positive travel behaviours

Useful Resources

Dr Bike Poster Example

About the activity

Dr Bike sessions give your school community a chance to have their bikes checked over by a mechanic to ensure they are roadworthy.

Minor issues such as flat tyres or loose brake and gear cables are common reasons for bikes to be left unused. Organise a mechanic to run a Dr Bike session to encourage your school community to get back on their bikes!

The sessions involve 10-minute check-ups on each bike including pumping tyres, adjusting saddles, and tuning up brakes and gears. More serious repairs or broken bikes should be referred to a bike shop.

A session works well alongside a bikers’ breakfast. You could also follow up by running some bike maintenance sessions.

What you’ll need

  • Bike mechanic(s)
  • A sheltered area where the session can take place – by the bike shed works well!
  • Budget for the session

Activity steps

Step 1

Know your numbers. Speak to your borough officer on how to set up a Dr Bike session and find a bike mechanic. Find out how many pupils have a bike that needs a check-up

Step 2

Promote Dr Bike. Spread the word in assemblies and your school newsletter and by putting up posters

Step 3

Hold the session. On the day meet the mechanics and show them where to set up and encourage cyclists to have their bikes looked at

Step 4

Check for success. Ask those who attended Dr Bike their opinion on the session. Record how useful they found it and how many bikes were checked up and fixed

Step 5

Tell your story! Upload your evidence to "my activities"