Free cycle checks and rides in York

York based charity Everybody’s Cycling are offering a series of cycling events across York in January 2024 to encourage people to cycle thanks to funding from Cycling UK as part of the Big Bike Revival.  

The team at Everybody’s Cycling are encouraging people to bring their bike to a Bike Doctor event for a free bike health safety check and basic repair to keep their bike on the move. Those who are new to cycling or looking to return to it, are welcome to join one of the short leisurely guided rides along mostly car-free routes in York.

Wed 17 Jan: 11:15am – 12:45pm Women’s only basic bike maintenance session at Quaker Meeting House on Friargate, followed by guided ride at 1:30pm as part of Kyra Women’s Project wellbeing project. Both activities must be pre-booked via contact@kyra.org.uk

Tues 23 Jan: 9am - 1pm Bike Doctor outside Ellerbys at York Hospital (no ride)

Wed 24 Jan: 10am - 12:30pm Bike Doctor at Tang Hall Community Centre alongside YourCafe. Followed by guided ride at 1pm.

Thurs 25 Jan: 10am – 1pm Bike Doctor at New Earswick Folk Hall. Followed by guided ride at 1:30pm.

Fri 26 Jan: 11am – 2pm Bike Doctor at Foxwood Community Centre alongside ‘pay as you feel’ Friday hub. Followed by guided ride at 2:30pm.

Sat 27 Jan: 10am – 1pm Bike Doctor at Get Cycling in Fulford. Followed by guided ride at 1:30pm.

Book your place on a guided ride through EventBrite.

iTravel York will also be on hand alongside the Bike Doctor events, offering free sustainable travel advice and free local cycle route maps. A great opportunity to share your views on transport around York including bus services.

Led by a trained ride leader, the rides will start and finish at locations across York and largely follow car-free National Cycle Network routes including the Solar System Cycle Route. Bikes and helmets are free to borrow, including adapted cycles such as trikes, tandems and wheelchair transporters for those with balance difficulties or any other problems riding.

Everybody’s Cycling General Manager, Jessica Shay, said: “These Big Bike Revival events are the perfect opportunity for people to give their old bikes a new lease of life and encourage them to begin or continue cycling. The rides are ideal for adults looking to improve their fitness levels and cycling confidence. Cycling has many wellbeing benefits and the rides are a great way to meet new people and discover new local cycling routes.”

Cycling UK chief executive Sarah Mitchell says: “We estimate that over 40 per cent of adults in England have access to a bike, but only one in six of them cycles more than once a week. So this significant new funding will enable us to spread the benefits of cycling to even more communities, improving health and wellbeing and saving people money in a cost of living crisis.”

There is no need to pre-register for the Bike Doctor events, simply turn up your bike on the day and complete a short paper form. Everyone is welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. For the guided rides, please pre-register via EventBrite. All events are free of charge.

Please visit everybodyscycling.org.uk/news for details.