The Oban Times

Free bike repair workshop encourages cyclists to get back in the saddle

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MEMBERS of the Lochaber community were offered a free bike repair class to encourage them to take care of their bikes and use them more around Lochaber.

The event was held at Off Beat Bikes in High Street, with mechanics helping participan­ts spruce up their bikes and get them running smoothly again.

The bike repair class was organised by Lochaber Environmen­tal Group as part of its Lochaber Energy and Waste Project, which was awarded a grant of £99,965 from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund.

The Lochaber Energy and Waste project offers free support to Lochaber householde­rs and businesses to help them reduce their carbon footprint by helping people save energy, reduce waste and repair items as well as supplying informatio­n on recycling and climate change.

The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) is a Scottish Government grant programme, managed and administer­ed by Keep Scotland Beautiful. The CCF provides funding and support for community groups to help tackle climate change by running projects that reduce local carbon emissions.

Jamie Maxwell, Off Beat Bikes shop manager, said: ‘The team at Off Beat Bikes ran an introducto­ry course on bike maintenanc­e to help people become more confident about keeping their bikes on the road.

‘Guided by shop mechanics Jon and Calum, participan­ts covered subjects including brake/gear adjustment­s, cleaning and repairing punctures. The evening was well received by everyone and we look forward to running more courses on both basic and more advanced aspects of bicycle maintenanc­e.’

Cara Mackay, energy and waste officer, said: ‘It is great to see so many people want to learn how to look after their bike. Cycling has so many benefits. It reduces your carbon footprint, benefits your health and saves you money. Hopefully, after our class, we will have more people in Lochaber cycling around on their newly-repaired bikes.’

 ??  ?? Off Beat Bikes ran the popular repair workshop.
Off Beat Bikes ran the popular repair workshop.

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