Bike maintenance skills
About this activity
Suitable for primary and secondary school pupils.
Bike maintenance sessions provide practical skills to help your school community keep their bikes roadworthy.
Run by a bike mechanic or a knowledgeable member of staff, these hands-on sessions allow participants to get to grips with the mechanics of how a bike works.
Sessions can cover the basics of making sure your bike is safe to use with an ABC (air, brakes, chain) check, through to repairing punctures, putting a chain back on, and more advanced bike mechanics.
What you'll need
- Basic tools and puncture repair equipment. A hired mechanic may be able to bring these
- Designated space in the school grounds, ideally with shelter
- Bike mechanic(s) to provide expert knowledge and guidance (or a knowledgeable member of staff)
- Budget for a bike mechanic
Activity steps
1
Call in the experts
Book your session with a mechanic or ask a knowledgeable member of staff to hold the session. Your borough officer may be able to offer advice on booking a bike mechanic or working with a local cycle shop
2
Promotion
Spread the word about the bike maintenance skills session in your school's newsletter, on notice boards, the website and in assemblies
3
Check for success
Ask your pupils how they found the session(s); was it useful and/or enjoyable? What practical skills did they develop and what else would they like to learn?
4
Tell your story
Sign in to STARS 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
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Cycling
This activity counts towards:
- Travel activity
How it helps
- Develops practical life skills
- Builds cycling confidence
- Gateway to other cycling initiatives
Resources
Useful links, templates and case studies to support this activity