Salisbury City Council’s Bike Repair Event – Helping children and young people cycle safely in Salisbury

Bike Repair Stations

On the 3rd of August, Salisbury City Council’s Communities Team, Rise61 bike hub and COGS (Cycling Opportunities Group Salisbury) set up on Guildhall Square to offer free repairs and maintenance for children and young people’s bicycles throughout the day.

This community collaboration brought some fabulous mechanics Simon, Pete, Jono, Stan, Jimmy and Paula together to carry out simple puncture repairs, resolve gear issues and provide a free maintenance service with the aim of increasing bike safety and encouraging more families to get out and get peddling throughout the summer holidays. As part of this event the Communities Team were able to provide lights and, if needed, vouchers for helmets. This event was created to connect people to the great organisations like COGS and RISE 61 that already exist in our city, and to remove barriers that might prevent people from exploring our great city by bike.

Councillor Alan Bayliss also rolled his sleeves up to help on the day and said, “It was hugely rewarding to see the children’s beaming smiles once their bikes had been repaired and were rideable again. The freedom, joy and independence that a bike gives is fantastic and I’d like to add my thanks to the team from COGS and Rise61 for giving up their time.”

After a great take-up Salisbury City Council’s Activities Leaders plan to run or support more events like these in the future and are currently looking at locations and dates for the future. Residents can keep an eye out for details on Facebook @SCCCommunities and if you are under 18 and your bike needs some attention, email bhc@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk and we can let you know when the next opportunity will be.

A big thank you to our volunteers and partner organisations who made the day possible.