Cycling
March 2025
BICYCLE REPAIR CAFE TO KEEP WHEELS TURNING
A bicycle repair café is being set up in Claygate, offering villagers local repairs while providing a valuable learning experience for young people in the area.
The project is the result of a collaboration between Claygate Youth and Community Hub and the Claygate Environmentalists Group and will open its doors one Saturday or Sunday morning each month. The only cost to cyclists will be for any replacement parts that are needed, although voluntary donations would be appreciated.
The initiative, launching in the coming months, is looking for volunteers with knowledge of bike repair – so the skills and enthusiasm of everyone, from expert cycle mechanics to those with basic bike repair knowledge, are needed to ensure the café gets up and running. Session co-ordinators are also needed – with no bicycle knowledge required.
At the heart of the Bike Repair Café is empowerment of young people. By observing and supporting more experienced bike repairers, local youths will have the chance to acquire a practical life skill. It’s an excellent opportunity for young people to gain confidence and work as part of a team.
The café will also help to reduce waste and promote a “repair and re-use” culture, as well as support local residents in maintaining their bicycles and encouraging more people to use sustainable transport options.
Any residents able to help should contact The Hub via allie.rivero@claygatehub.org.uk or visit the “Contact Us” page at https://www.claygatehub.org.uk/
HOW THE HUB WORKS…
The Hub seeks to provide young people aged 11-19 with a safe and welcoming space for fun, friendship and activities. In 2024, The Hub ran 186 sessions and welcomed more than 270 young people through its doors in Elm Road, Claygate.
It is funded by grants and donations, and is reliant on the support of a fantastic group of local volunteers. It always needs more help to continue its great work: anyone able to help out as a volunteer, make a donation, or become a trustee (especially anyone with HR or legal experience), please email hello@claygatehub.org.uk.
