Projects

WHEELS FOR ALL- OXFORD


Wheels for All - Oxford provides inclusive cycling facilites in a safe, supportive enviroment for adults (16+) with a wide variety of needs. Some of the participants have physical disabilities or learning difficulties  Others haven't cycled for a long time and wish to increase their skills and confidence before cycling with friends or on their own on cycle paths or roads.  Some just enjoy trying out different types of cycle, having fun and benefiting from exercise and fresh air.


The group has a wide variety of 2 wheel, 3 wheel and 4 wheel cycles, hand cycles, recumbant cycles, side by side tandems , in-line tandems, electric-assist bikes and a wheel chair transporter.  With such a wide range of adpated bicycles they can usually find something that participants can ride whatever their needs.


BicycleLife has been involved with Wheels for All - Oxford since it started in 2012 and now helps run the group.  BicyclLife also helps lead sessions and has been helping repair and maintain the collection of over 30 cycles for the past 8 years

Wheels for All - Oxford has access to several e-assist bikes on loan from Oxford Brookes University.  These are also loaned out to members of the public who wish to experience the benefits of riding an e-bike.

Wheels for All - Oxford is affiliated to British Cycling and Cycling Projects Charity and is supported by Active Oxfordshire and Access Sport and were winners of the Active Award in the Oxfordshire Sports Awards 2019

British Cycling Ride Leader


BicycleLife also provides a qualified Ride leader able to lead rides of up to 12 people on cycle tracks and public roads.


Whilst there are many cycling clubs in Oxfordshire, there remains a need for short, social rides in small groups for those new to cycling or returning to cycling.  The emphasis is on providing a fun, social activity.  No special equipment is needed (and we can lend a bike if necessary), no special clothing, riding at a leisurely pace to suit all and short distances to suit the ability of everyone on the ride. 

Some of our rides are provided as an extension of the activities of Wheels for All - Oxford for participants who have attended sessions at the Athletics Ground and wish to venture out on short rides (often with a stop at a local cafe).

In the near future, we are hoping to be able to provide bespoke cycle training, on a 1 to 1 basis, or very small groups for people wishing to improve their confidence and skills in cycling around town.  Watch this space.

Many people have not yet managed to get a voucher due to the voucher site crashing and the number issued being restricted.  If you still want to get your bike roadworthy, or just want it checked over/serviced the cost can be kept down if few new parts are needed.  If you'd like to send a photo of the bike, we'd be happy to provide an initial assessment and estimate.  NB Priority will be given to those living in OX5 depending on demand.  We're keen to help you get back on your bike!

BICYCLE REPAIRS


BicycleLife provides a mobile bike mechanic service for maintaining and repairing bicycles.  If your bike needs some TLC or has been languishing in the shed for too long, we can help get it back into a roadworthy condition.


Some basic repairs can be carried out on site or (more likely) your bike can be collected (on our bicycle trailer) and returned when fixed.  BicycleLife has been repairing bicycles for several decades, has been looking after the fleet of cycles for Wheels for All - Oxford, has helped repair many bikes donated to the Bikes for Keyworkers Project (and checked the road worthiness of others) and helped Oxford Brookes University get some neglected e-bikes back into service.  Please note, we have little experience with high end road bikes, carbon fibre frames etc but can recommend other mechanics who can work on these.

BicycleLife is registered with ActSmart as a mobile mechanic, is a member of the Cycle Traders Association and carries the appropriate third part and professional indemnity insurance.

We are also registered with The Energy Savings Trust to repair bicycles under the Government's Fix Your bike Voucher scheme (which provides up to £50 worth of maintenance and repairs).

A proportion of the income (excluding spare parts) from repairing bikes will be donated to the running costs of Wheels for All - Oxford (see description above).  Due to the need to maintain social distancing, participants now have to pre-book hourly slots so there are only a limited number of people cycling at any one time.  The Friday sessions have been extended from 10am to 2pm (which increases costs) but they still cannot cater for as many participants as before (so income is reduced).  Additional income streams such as this will enable the sessions to continue.

Please note that the Government voucher scheme specifies the following:


In order for vouchers to be eligible for redemption:
The cycle owner must be over 18
The repairs must be necessary to make cycles roadworthy and fit for purpose, this may include:
- Repair or replace tyres, tubes, wheels and related components
- Adjust, repair or replace braking system components
- Adjust, repair or replace transmission system components.
- Repair or replace other essential components which prevent safe use of the cycle e.g. deteriorated grips or saddle
- Repair or replacement of components for permanently fitted lighting systems


Repairs which are NOT eligible:
- replacement or upgrade of existing safe and roadworthy components
- replacement or repair of removeable lighting accessories

Vouchers will cover up to £50 per cycle towards the Eligible Repairs and parts that need replacement as part of the Eligible Repairs. The cycle owner will need to pay
the remainder cost if the cost is greater than £50.
If the cost of the service is below £50, the voucher will only cover for the effective cost of the transaction (less than £50).
A maximum of 2 vouchers can be claimed per customer address, and only 1 voucher per cycle.
Vouchers must be valid at point of redemption.

Every Bike is different but from the experience of working on bikes donated to the Bikes for Keyworkers Project, the following check list was used to get them roadworthy and forms the basis of the service we provide:


Check tyres for bulges/cracks/exposed thread/bead and Inflate

Check if frame/forks bent or cracked

Check F + R wheels central and wheel nuts/QR secure

Check F + R wheel bearings, adjust as necessary

Check wheels true and spokes tight

Check if seat post seized/grease

Secure/level seat - condition OK?

Grease seat post (and insert at least 60mm into frame)

Check headset tight but not stiff or loose

Grease handlebar stem (if quill type)

Check/secure handlebar stem/handlebar clamp tight

Check handle bar ends closed or plugged

Check chain (less 1% wear) and lubricate

Check bottom bracket

Check if chain rings out of true

Check/secure crank bolts

Check pedals secure on cranks and spin freely

Check front brake works and releases OK, replace pads/cable/adjust as necessary

Check rear brake works and releases OK, replace pads/cables/adjust as necessary

Check condition/location of brake levers

Check F gears work, and adjust/fit cable as necessary

Check R gears work, and adjust/fit cable as necessary

Visually inspect all parts and check all nuts tight

Check mudguards/rack bolts etc secure and straight

Test ride bike, no noises/rattles and all works OK

Rear reflector and pedal reflectors?


We will endeavour to carry out the above checks, and make minor adjustments/repairs that are required, within the £50 limit of the voucher and will seek your authorisaton before incurring further cost.  Depending on the work required to complete these checks and adjustments, it may be possible to include the cost of minor parts within this limit but if more costly parts are required, eg new tyres, the £50 limit is more likely to be exceeded.  We hold a small stock of typical replacement items but if other new parts are required additional time will be required to source them.