On 24th September, Be Richmond partnered with Richmond Cycles (Richmond’s oldest bicycle shop and servicing centre), to host a safe and socially-distanced bike maintenance workshop outside Tide Tables cafe.

Attendees, who represented several leading Richmond businesses, including William Grant & Sons, Savills, Minesoft and Barclays, covered a broad range of cycling abilities and experience, from complete beginners to confident cycle-commuters.

Despite the chilly, early autumn temperature, the event proved popular and helpful to all concerned (thanks must go to Tide Tables for providing much-needed hot drinks).

Maintenance topics covered included

  • Home maintenance
  • Roadside fixes
  • Punctures and tyres
  • The right tools and how to use them
  • Cleaning tips

Individual work stations were strategically placed two metres apart, allowing everyone to see the instructor whilst safely social-distancing.

The trainer, Art from Richmond Cycles, demonstrated his full range of skills as a highly experience bike mechanic and passed on lots of helpful tips and tricks to a grateful audience. A Q&A session was included in the workshop and attendees were able to see one-to-one demonstrations on their own bikes which they had brought with them.

Participants received a set of  complimentary tyre levers and an energy bar.

The event is part of Be Richmond’s ongoing aim to support member businesses by helping their employees feel more confident about using alternative travel methods to commute to work. This supports TfL’s covid strategy, Richmond’s Climate Emergency stance, and a general approach to wellbeing and a healthier lifestyle. The initiative also supports two of the key objectives in the  Richmond BID Business Plan, (i) reducing Traffic Congestion and  (ii) demonstrating Corporate & Social Responsibility.

Feedback from workshop attendees has been very positive:

“Really enjoyed it, it was highly illuminating and the instructor, Arthur, was brilliant too.”

Jonathan Driver, Managing Director – Private Clients, William Grant & Sons Ltd

“A great session and very well organised!”

Iain Leopold, Global Strategy & Insight Associate Director, William Grant & Sons Ltd

“I found the workshop really helpful!  The course was informative and the Q&A section gave us a chance to address our individual cycling queries. I loved the tips and tricks of how to deal with punctures and tyre changes.

Fiona Duncan, Associate Director & Service Improvement Manager, Savills

Be Richmond Manager, Ellen Amorina Storrar, was delighted with the workshop:

“Our member businesses told us that reducing traffic congestion in the town was a key objective for Be Richmond. By helping encourage commuters to switch from cars to cycles we can go some way towards achieving that goal. The event was also a great way to engage with our member businesses.”

Employees of Be Richmond member businesses can apply attend future Cycle Maintenance Workshops by emailing the Be Richmond team