A CYCLE repair firm is offering free bike repairs in Richmond worth up to £50 to encourage people to get in the saddle safely.

Swale Cycles are offering free bike repairs to members of the community at their pop-up Wheelie Wednesday workshops, hosted at the car park of Richmond School on March 31 and April 7, between 10am and 4pm.

The Dr Bike Scheme, funded through Cycling UK’s ‘Big Bike Revival’, is an opportunity for a free 30-minute check, including servicing and repairs worth up to £50, with the aim of encouraging the general public to ensure their bikes are road-safe and ready to ride.

Swale Cycles are a family-run, Richmond-based business. Paddy Muir, a former engineer and keen cyclist and mountain bike leader, retrained in May 2019 to follow a passion, starting Swale Cycles in July 2019.

The business has grown rapidly, so much so that the company is about to move to new premises on the Trading Estate in Richmond.

Swale Cycles covers all types of bikes including: road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, tandems and kids bikes – they have even been known to fix exercise bikes, pushchairs and golf buggies. In addition to running a bike repair workshop, Mr Muir also provides nationwide mechanical support to cycling sportives, charity rides and guided rides, all supported by wife Rachael, also a British Cycling Mountain Bike Leader, and son Rory.

Mr Muir said: “Cycling has boomed over the past 12 months and it is now seen as one of the best ways for people to keep fit and healthy, as well as helping reduce carbon emissions. It is so important to have our bikes regularly checked by a competent mechanic as poorly maintained cycles are inefficient and, more importantly, can be dangerous as well. This is a perfect, cost-effective opportunity to get bikes ready for the summer.”

Cycling UK is a charitable membership organisation that has championed the cause of cycling for more than 140 years, and inspiring people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover cycling. Find out more about their Big Bike Revival initiative at www.cyclinguk.org/bigbikerevival/england.

To keep the number of people to a minimum, the sessions must be pre-booked by contacting Mr Muir at paddy@swalecycles.co.uk or 07748854833.