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"