Dr Bike bicycle servicing
Find out about Dr Bike, a council-funded bicycle servicing initiative.
What Dr Bike is
Dr Bike is a free cycling advice service delivered by Brighton & Hove City Council and funded by the Department for Transport.
It's council-funded and is available free of charge to:
- NHS departments
- schools
- community groups and clubs
Private businesses can also access the service but will be charged accordingly.
Qualifications and insurance
Dr Bike:
- holds Cytech mechanic qualifications
- has a valid DBS certificate
- has public liability insurance cover of up to £5 million
Types of bikes Dr Bike can work on
Dr Bike has experience working on a wide range of bicycles, including:
- children's and young people's bikes
- adult bikes
- e-bikes
- road bikes
- mountain bikes
- school cycle fleets
- high-performance bicycles
Services Dr Bike can provide
Dr Bike can provide:
- safety checks and "MOT-style" bicycle inspections
- bicycle servicing and repairs
- school fleet servicing and maintenance
- brake bleeding
- minor wheel truing
- advice on bike fit, including saddle and handlebar adjustments
- advice on bicycle maintenance, cleaning and lubrication
- advice on bicycle storage and security
- mechanic support on group rides
Replacement parts Dr Bike can supply
Replacement parts
Dr Bike can supply consumable parts such as:
- brake pads
- brake discs
- cables
- inner tubes
- grips
- handlebar tape
The cost of parts is usually charged to the bike owner unless the organisation chooses to cover the cost. Contact Dr Bike for pricing before the visit.
Labour costs
Labour costs for fitting basic parts are covered through the project funding.
Bikes needing more extensive repairs
If work is required that cannot be completed within the time available during a Dr Bike session, Dr Bike may be able to carry out the work privately. Any such arrangements should be agreed directly between the bike owner and Dr Bike.
What to provide during a Dr Bike visit
Dr Bike travels by cargo bike and brings tools, equipment and commonly used parts. To help the session run smoothly, please provide:
- shelter from sun or rain where possible
- a table and chair
- access to water
- a bin bag for waste
The number of bikes that can be serviced during a session
As a guide, Dr Bike can typically service and repair up to:
- 5 young people's bikes per hour
- 3 adult bikes per hour
Providing an estimated number and type of bikes in advance is extremely helpful.
Information you should provide before the visit
Please let Dr Bike know:
- the estimated number of bikes requiring attention
- whether they are adult, children's or school fleet bikes
- any site access instructions
- whether the work area can be reached by cargo bike
If the work area is not cargo bike accessible, Dr Bike may need alternative arrangements for transporting tools and equipment.
Suitability for schools
Dr Bike is happy to talk with interested pupils and students. However, schools must ensure there is a clear boundary between students and the work area for health and safety reasons, as tools, oils and solvents will be in use.
Book a Dr Bike session
To book a Dr Bike session, complete the Dr Bike booking form.