Dr Bike

Dr Bike

About this activity

Suitable for all pupils, staff, parents and carers.

NB: We’re bringing together all the TfL education programmes, including STARS, under one exciting new umbrella programme called TfL Travel for Life. They will be the same great programmes but with a new name and a new look, easier online process and dedicated support team. STARS for primary schools will be renamed TfL Explorers. STARS for secondary schools will be renamed TfL Pioneers

Dr Bike sessions give your school community a chance to have their bikes checked over by a mechanic to ensure they are roadworthy.

Minor issues such as flat tyres or loose brake and gear cables are common reasons for bikes to be left unused. Organise a mechanic to run a Dr Bike session to encourage your school community to get back on their bikes!

The sessions involve 10-minute check-ups on each bike including pumping tyres, adjusting saddles, and tuning up brakes and gears. More serious repairs or broken bikes should be referred to a bike shop.

A session works well alongside a bikers’ breakfast. You could also follow up by running some bike maintenance sessions.

What you’ll need

  • Bike mechanic(s)
  • A sheltered area where the session can take place – by the bike shed works well!
  • Budget for the session

 

 

Activity steps

1
Know your numbers
Speak to your borough officer on how to set up a Dr Bike session and find a bike mechanic. Find out how many pupils have a bike that needs a check-up
2
Promote Dr Bike
Spread the word in assemblies and your school newsletter and by putting up posters
3
Hold the session
On the day meet the mechanics and show them where to set up and encourage cyclists to have their bikes looked at
4
Check for success
Ask those who attended Dr Bike their opinion on the session. Record how useful they found it and how many bikes were checked up and fixed
5
Tell your story
Sign in to TfL Travel for Life to add your story and include pupils’ feedback. Explain the activity and add photos and any posters or promotional materials. Feedback to your borough officer

Tags

  • Cycling

This activity counts towards:

  • Travel activity

How it helps

  • Gateway to other cycling initiatives
  • Promotes positive travel behaviours

Resources

Useful links, templates and case studies to support this activity