Bike

Cycling is a healthy, affordable and sustainable way to access nature in local communities and across the Avalon Marshes – but for many local people, there can be barriers to cycling, such as limited ability to repair a bike, lack of confidence, or no access at all to a bike.
 

That’s why Step, Ride, Thrive has invested in practical support for cyclists of all ages, by offering free community “Dr Bike” repair sessions and school workshops. A trial affordable bike hire scheme at the Avalon Marshes Centre is also being planned for Discover Nature fortnight, from 18th - 31st May.

​

The sessions are delivered by Somerset charity On Your Bike, which refurbishes donated bicycles, sells affordable bikes, and delivers training and maintenance workshops. The full cost of an engaging community bike repair event (£250 per day) is covered by the project. These friendly drop-in sessions are run by qualified mechanics, who’ll give your bike a free check-up, make basic repairs on the spot, and offer advice on how to keep it in good working order. All ages and bike types are welcome. 

The school sessions are tailored for year 5-6 pupils, with each workshop costing £400 (covered by the project). The sessions are designed to complement Bikeability and can be scheduled either before or after those sessions. Activities include learning how to perform a safety check on a bike, identifying the parts of a bike, participating in a puncture race, and completing a quiz. The sessions aim to promote safer cycling practices while enhancing the skills taught in Bikeability.

​

Through this project we're aiming to make it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of cycling and explore the landscape on two wheels. We hope to deliver over 20 community and school sessions by summer 2026.

​​

​