Rutland Cycling is setting up a temporary pop-up bicycle repair shop and workshop on South Street Car Park in Oakham from today (Wed).

The initiative aims to help get residents out and about safely on two wheels to support their daily exercise.

The shop will deliver workshop services, essential products for cycling, and a click & collect service for orders placed on Rutland Cycling's website.

Furthermore, bicycle safety checks and workshop labour will be provided free to all NHS and key workers to ensure their safe and healthy travel to and from work.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the UK government has taken steps to encourage cycling as a safe, healthy and an environmentally friendly alternative to the private car or public transport.

By ensuring people have access to bicycle repair services and essential accessories, it is hoped that more of Rutland's local community can make use of the good weather and quiet roads and hop on a bike.

David Middlemiss, Director of Rutland Cycling, said: "Rutland Cycling's purpose is to inspire more people to own and ride a bike, and we are keen to introduce as many people as possible to the personal and social benefits of cycling, such that this time of great challenge can also be one of positive transformation.

"This temporary shop in the heart of Oakham will provide an

essential service to our local community which will hopefully encourage many more to look at the bicycle as a viable travel choice."

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Rutland County Council portfolio holder for transport, commented: "We have seen an increase in the number of people who have dusted off their bicycles to help them get their daily exercise – cycling is a great way to stay healthy while still carrying out essential travel.

"Like any form of transport, however, it is important that bicycles are well maintained, so they are roadworthy and safe to use. We are proud to support Rutland Cycling to establish this initiative at South Street Car Park in Oakham to support residents in ensuring their bikes are safe at this time."

Rutland Cycling is a local, family-owned business which first opened to offer cycle hire at Rutland Water in 1981. Today, the business remains based in Rutland and is one of the UK's largest bicycle retailers with 14 stores across the Midlands including stores at Whitwell and a Giant brand store at Normanton.

The pop-up shop will open daily between 9.30am and 4.30pm from Wednesday 20th May, and will be located at South Street Car Park, Rutland County Museum, Oakham, LE15 6BG.