A BICYCLE workshop is teaming up with a national charity to help get people back on their bikes.

Bike Boom, a cycling shop on the Chalex Industrial Estate in Portslade, has joined up with Cycling UK, a charity that supports cyclists and promotes bike use.

They are taking part in the Big Bike Revival, a free bike health check tour. People will also be given classes on how to maintain their bikes and get them back to the cycle lanes.

Bike Boom owner TR McGowran said: “In our Portslade shop we’ve met so many families who are feeling the urge to get back on two or three wheels, but their bikes need some care and attention to get them ready for the road.

The Argus: Bike Boom owner TR McGowran at work on a bike.Bike Boom owner TR McGowran at work on a bike.

“Some repairs can be expensive, and these days, there’s even a waiting list in some bike repair workshops.

“We don’t like to see anyone held back from cycling - especially not children with all the benefits cycling brings like health, environment, air quality and children’s sense of independence.”

The popularity of cycling has increased over the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. More people have been at home and have chosen to cycle as a form of exercise. People have also chosen to cycle to work rather than take public transport.

As part of Cycling UK’s "Big Bike Revival" initiative, the plan is to teach people how to repair their bikes rather than spend a lot of money on a replacement or have someone else repair it.

The tour will be going to Hove, Portslade and Shoreham.

Mr McGowran said: “With Cycling UK’s help, we’re taking our tools to the people, setting up pop-up repair stations and offering as many free bicycle health checks as we can.

“Small parts like standard brake blocks and cables will be free of charge, and if we encounter bigger problems, we can help people understand what needs doing.

The Argus: Cycling has become more popular over the last year an bikes need to be repaired from damage.Cycling has become more popular over the last year an bikes need to be repaired from damage.

“We want to see more people cycling in our community, so we’re really looking forward to the Big Bike Revival.

“It’s important to me that people in our community get to learn the techniques they need to keep their bikes safe and functional.

“In a city where cycling is growing as a way to travel, these are becoming useful life skills.”

The bicycle health check sessions will run on Saturdays starting on June 5 until June 26. The tour will start at Bike Boom’s workshop and then move on to the Big Beach Cafe at Hove Lagoon and Shark Park Cafe, Fishersgate, then finally to Shoreham Artisans’ Market.