A new Cycle Hub will open on its doors in Stapleford on Sunday 13 November, giving local people free access to bicycle repairs and services.
The Hub is part of the Safer Cycling Scheme for Stapleford, one of six projects funded through the £21m Stapleford Towns Fund, which aims to encourage people to travel in a more sustainable way.
Located at the Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground Car Park, the Cycle Hub will be open on a drop-in basis to local people every Sunday from 9am – 2pm, when a trained RideWise mechanic will offer free repairs, servicing, route planning and general advice about cycling.
RideWise is a Nottingham-based charity that helps people to get around through walking, cycling and greener forms of transport. Over the last year it has helped over 1,000 people through its bike workshop at Lenton Abbey Park, with bike repairs, bike loans, cycle lessons, volunteering and work experience.
Helen Hemstock, RideWise Chief Executive, said:
“We’re all really excited about the opening of this new Cycle Hub in Stapleford, which we hope will help people to get their bikes out of the sheds and made roadworthy. Our trained mechanics and volunteers will be on hand every weekend to offer free support to get people moving around in ways that are greener, cheaper and healthier!”
Ian Jowett, Chair of Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said:
“With the cost of living so high at the moment, every penny counts. Cycling is a free way to travel, with loads of health, wellbeing and environmental benefits too. We’re really excited to be able to offer these free services to local people and encourage them to get back on their bikes, or even start cycling for the first time.”
MP for Broxtowe, Darren Henry, said:
“Since my election as Member of Parliament I have been passionate about improving cycling opportunities in Broxtowe and I was incredibly keen to push for the Stapleford Cycle Hub to get up and running. This will be a great asset for the local community and I look forward to seeing more people in Stapleford take up cycling for both recreational and utility purposes, such as cycling to work or school, or to visit our local shops.”
In addition to the Cycle Hub, in 2023/24 the Safer Cycling Scheme will also see the opening of 3km of new cycle routes around Stapleford, plus a cycle training facility on the Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground, which will be an open and accessible, safe mini road network for people of all ages to practice cycling and build their confidence.