Article Source: Neilston Development Trust
Last Updated: 22 August 2013 15:46
The Neilston Bank Bike Hub opened for business on Saturday 1st of June this year. Since that date, the team of volunteers and mechanics have been kept busy, with over 24 members of the community hiring one of our bikes and 35 customers bringing their own bikes in for repair; everything from punctures, to problem gears, to fitting a child seat!.
Laura Carswell, who coordinates the Hub for Neilston Development Trust said “The response so far has been amazing! We’ve had all sorts of bikes in for repair, our favourite being the beautiful custom-made gold tandem! We’ve also been really delighted in the uptake of our bike hire service, with some people hiring bikes so they can go out as a family to places like Dams to Darnley and several hires from people wanting to test the water before they bought their own bikes. We couldn’t have achieved any of this without our team of cycle volunteers as well as the funding from Cycle Scotland which helped us buy equipment and get our volunteers trained-up for the job”.
Richard Spearey, the Hub’s volunteer mechanic said “I’ve always been a really keen cyclist and it’s been great to see that I’m not alone in my enthusiasm for bikes! The good summer weather has definitely helped, and the interest generated on the back of Scotland’s cycling successes at the London Olympics, as well as the achievements of guys like Bradley Wiggins, have attracted a whole new generation of young people. Probably more important than anything, though, is the fact that there is nowhere else in Neilston to get your bike repaired!”
To celebrate these achievements so far, the Hub will lead a free, short ride around Neilston on September 7th and has organised a programme of training activities in September and October to support people keen on improving their cycling skills and knowledge. We would love as many people as possible to join us. So, if you’re a lapsed cyclist, or a parent wanting to get out there with the children, or want to experience the fun and freedom that comes from being on a bike or knowing how to look after it, come along and join us!
Laura Carswell added “The led-rides are a great chance to build up your confidence and skills on a bike under the watchful eye of our trained and experienced cycle leaders. I think that support and guidance is invaluable if you want to know how to cycle today’s busy roads”.
Richard Spearey, who will lead the maintenance training, said “These sessions are designed to help people learn to after their bikes themselves and know how to make sure their bikes are safe and properly adjusted to fit them. We’re also providing off-road proficiency training for those adults needing some of the basics on how to cycle before they can tackle going onto the roads.“
Cycle ride round Neilston
Our free led-ride takes place on Saturday September 7th and cyclists should meet at the back of the Bank by 10.30am. Bikes are available for hire (advance notice required). All are welcome and you can join us for a cup of tea after the ride.
Cycle Training Programme
Dates for the training programme are as follows:
Basic bike maintenance, Tuesday 10th September 7-9pm;
Bike set up and safety checks, Tuesday 17th September 7-9pm;
Puncture repairs, 24th September 7-9pm;
Advanced maintenance (gear adjustments and cable changing), Tuesday 1st October 7-9pm;
Cycle proficiency training – for adults (over 16s), Saturday 14th September / 5th October 10-12noon.
All are welcome to all our events, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Training events costs £4 adults/£2 under 16s and booking is required.
To find out more, or to book, contact 0141 561 1201 or email us at admin@neilstontrust.co.uk. Or visit us at the Hub Saturdays between 10-12pm or at www.neilstontrust.co.uk.
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