DR FIX comes to Medway

There’s something interesting about seeing your old bike re-emerging from the cobwebs of the shed or garages as the summer time comes along. Reading the following title i was intrigued to find out more:

“This summer, neighbours and families will bring out bikes of all shapes and sizes as the Big Bike Revival brings people together to rediscover the joy of cycling and a sense of community connection.”

A local DR Bike workshop recently popped-up at Medway Maritime Hospital to start off a summer of local cycling events in Medway. Cycling UK’s Dr Bike events have been carrying out a bike ‘triage’ service: fixing minor repairs and checking to make bikes safe and road worthy.

A blue gazebo with a white van advertising a mobile bike repair service

The majority of the bike ailments that has been presented, were fixed on the spot, meaning those that attended this event, left in the knowledge they will be riding away on a bike that feels as good as new.

Jenny Box, Cycling UK’s head of behaviour change who we found out was leading on the charge to get England’s bikes back on the road said:

“Cycling UK estimates there are just over 16.5 million unused bikes in England – ‘shed’ bikes so to speak. Most of their ailments, like loose brakes, skipping gears or incorrect saddle height, are all things which Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival can fix for free right then and there.”

Most [bike] ailments…are all things which Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival can fix for free right then and there.

To bring this statement to life locally, we spoke to David, a Public Health Improvement Co-Ordinator for Active Travel in Medway.

A grey Van promoting A Better Medway with three people standing next to two bikes

“We [ public health ] have helped bring a number of bicycles into local communities as part of the big bike revival project which helped us establish the Ride, Re-Use, Recycle Project. The projects compliment each other in delivering the cyclingUK’s vision. Not only do we offer Dr Fix Sessions, we have also created a diverse, community initiative dedicated to sustainability, social inclusion, and active travel. Each year, bicycles are discarded, many of which are capable of being restored. The project aims to give these bicycles a renewed purpose refurbishing them and redistributing them to individuals and organisations across the community. This initiative not only reduces environmental waste but also promotes sustainable transport by making cycling more accessible to those who may otherwise be unable to access a bicycle.

The DR FIX events we have arranged has shown us that the most common repairs are adjusting brakes and stopping the clicking chain while trying to change gears. Faults that are easily fixed on the spot. The public health team feels that anyone with a bike should come along to their local fix session and get their bike ready for their next adventure.”

A gazebo with Blue and white bunting with the words Big Bike Revival

We tested the process out and we were riding our bike away after just 15 minutes from when the bike was seen by the mechanic. I was advised that any longer repairs would be referred for a repair and need more attention and offered advise to contact their local bike shop.

The Mechanic mentioned that he finds these local events valuable as they are an opportunity to engage with bike owners—explaining the nature of the issue, the steps taken to resolve it, and offering guidance on early warning signs to help prevent future repairs.