Free bike repair stations in Didcot encourage cycling

A new repair point has been set up by South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse District Councils, with two more on the way, to encourage residents to cycle.

The stations include all the tools a cyclist could need, including a bike stand, a hex key set, a Philips screwdriver and a pump with a pressure gauge.

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Councillor Helen Pighills, Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet member for community health and wellbeing, said: “These repair stations are a great free way of keeping your bike in roadworthy condition”.

She said that they can also be used by parents with prams and people in wheelchairs, which will help improve accessibility.

The current repair station is in Newlands Avenue, with a second planned for the District Community Centre in Great Western Park and a third to be added near Cornerstone.

Free bike repair stations have been installed in Didcot (Image: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils)

Councillor Robin Bennett, deputy leader of South Oxfordshire District Council and cabinet member for economic development and education, said: “Improving cycling around Didcot is one of the key parts of our Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan so I’m delighted we’ve been able to fund these repair stations”.

Didcot was awarded Garden Town status in 2015, and the delivery plan, introduced in 2022, aims to improve residents’ wellbeing by creating sustainable spaces while ensuring town growth.

Councillor Andrea Powell, South Oxfordshire District Council cycling champion, added: “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around – it encourages healthy lifestyles and helps to tackle climate change while also reducing congestion and pollution”.

The councils have committed to improving active transport infrastructure to help reduce carbon emissions from transport, which currently emits the largest share of the greenhouse gas.

Plans include improving biodiversity along pathways, installing better signage to help residents find walkways and cycle paths, and completing improvement works to existing routes.

Cycling or walking are not only easier and cheaper than driving, but also improve the local air quality, the policy explains.

Vale of White Horse District Council fitness, activity and wellbeing champion Councillor Eric de la Harpe said: “I hope these repair stations encourage more people to get on their bike to travel in and around Didcot.

“It’s a great way to travel while getting fitter”.

The delivery plan also includes projects to introduce more green spaces, trees, gardens, sustainable technology, and footpaths and cycleways connecting key routes to the town, railway station and large business parks.