Cyclists offered free bike repairs and secure parking in Reading

Cyclists in Reading can receive free bike checks and basic repairs as the popular Dr Bike pop-up sessions return to the town centre.

From Thursday 6 March 2025, from 11am to 2pm, the Dr Bike team will be outside Sainsbury’s on Broad Street on the first Thursday of every month. No appointment is needed! The Dr Bike team will be available to offer free:

• maintenance checks
• minor repairs
• safety advice

The team will also provide information about other free cycling services, such as adult cycle training and bike maintenance workshops.

Find more details on our dedicated cycling webpage.

Improving cycle parking with Streetpods

In addition to the Dr Bike sessions, the council is installing 36 new Streetpods around the town centre.

These secure cycle parking units allow cyclists to lock their bikes more securely and will be located at:

• Broad Street, St Mary’s Butts
• Broad Street junction
• Cheapside
• Reading West Station

These initiatives aim to support active travel, reduce car use, and improve air quality, contributing to better health and wellbeing for residents.

The council is keen to hear feedback from cyclists and, if successful, will install more Streetpods when funding is available.

For more details and a video guide, visit Reading Streetpod Pilot.

Councillor’s comments

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:

“We’re keen for more people to get out and about on their bikes and the return of the Dr Bike sessions and more secure cycle parking in the town should help encourage that.

Cyclists can have their bikes checked over and small repairs carried out for free and the new Streetpods provide peace of mind when parking your bike in town.

If we can support more people to get on their bikes, we help reduce the number of cars on our roads which is better for everyone’s health and for the environment.

This is also the perfect time of year to start getting out and about and enjoying the milder weather and longer days.”