Bicycle collectives not only provide a sense of community to cyclists, but they are also a go-to place for repairs, safety workshops, bicycle repair classes and even used cycle sales. Whether you are a new cyclists or simply looking to become more immersed in the bicycle community, London’s bicycle collectives are the place to start.
The London Bike Kitchen
This particular collective is a non-profit do it yourself workshop that provides the tools and knowledge cyclists need to make basic repairs and cycle maintenance. With the goal of making cyclists more self-reliant and the act of cycling less expensive, the London Bike Kitchen offers a variety of courses that include bike building, long distance tour preparation and emergency repairs.
Membership includes discounted classes and parts plus regular rides and other cycle events, for the yearly cost of just £10.
Ealing Bike Hub
If you live in Ealing and you dream of maintaining your own bike then their courses are excellent. You bring your bike along and they’ll show you the ins and outs of maintenance in a well structured course. The London Bike Hub website has more details on courses available. Cycle training is also offered. If you’ve got an old bike then they’ll happily recycle it for you. You can also get a bargain here on a second hand bike.
Cycooldelic Revolution
The stated goal of Cycooldelic Revolution is to let no parts go to waste, which is why you’ll notice tons of cycle-related art and materials on display. This collective or “bicycle recycling social enterprise,” as they prefer, focuses on all aspects of cycling from learning how to ride, pedal powered technology and bicycle maintenance.
The Cycooldelic Revolution offers repair and maintenance workshops, service repairs, in addition to promoting the health and sustainability benefits of cycling to the local community.
Tower Hamlets Wheelers
Located in the East End, the Tower Hamlets Wheelers are dedicated to creating more avid cyclists, improving conditions in London for cyclists and teaching workshops at Limehouse Town Hall with Dr. Bike on the third Saturday of each month. Get access to tools for bicycle maintenance, advice on emergency repairs and friendly chats.
The Wheelers also meet monthly to organize social rides and other events aimed in improving the overall conditions for London’s cyclists.
56a Bikespace
With goals that include self-reliance and sustainability, this bicycle collective takes the approach that learning bicycle maintenance and repair is best done among friends and like-minded individuals. At 56a workshops you will get access to second-hand parts and inexpensive new parts so you can rely on your own skills to make repairs to your bicycle.
Volunteer your own time to help teach other cyclists what you know about cycling culture and maintenance.
Magnificent Revolution
This unique bicycle collective is made up of engineers, artists and scientists focused on using bicycle power as an alternative energy source. Magnificent Revolution bicycle collective holds workshops teaching participants the basics of pedal powered generators and basic designs.
With a unique twist on the recycled bicycle program, Magnificent Revolution turns old cycle parts into modern art and alternative uses. This is collective is quite different from the rest, however if your goal is renewable energy and sustainability, this organization will interest you.
Hackney Cyclists Workshop
This is a non-profit organization that is run solely by volunteers dedicated to promoting bicycling as an alternative form of transportation in London. By offering maintenance and repair workshops, the group in Hackney seeks to make bicycling more appealing and affordable for all. Learn how to build, repair and replace bicycle parts at self-help workshops held on the first, second and third Tuesdays of the month.
Become an accomplished amateur bicycle mechanic at any of these bicycle collectives in London.
Any more I’ve missed? Leave a comment below!
and don’t forget out in the wild west there’s Ealing Bike Hub – most weekends – workshop, bike hire, second hand bikes and a lot of biscuits.
Thank you have added this in now 🙂
Just wondering if there are any collectives in the south of the river, Lewisham, Deptford, or Crystal Palace.
I’m wondering exactly the same thing Simon – looking for one in Greenwich, Blackheath, Lewisham area… no luck so far..
In Southwark, there is a group called Squeaky Chains. They are a non profit org who are linked to St. Mungos the homelessness charity. They run courses for people with current or previous issues around homelessnes. Not sure how much they can be accessed for general stuff but I suggest giving their website a look. http://www.squeakychains.com. If not correct web address, shouldnt be hard to find. If I find out more I will update you. Worth a mention as another good community based eniciative.
Quick update on my last posting. The link to squeaky chains is correct and I remembered another fantastic group. http://www.bikeworks.org.uk based in Bethnal Green and Ladbroke Grove have a shop for repairs/service as well as courses with recognised qualifications and wider links involed around helping people train for work within cycle industry. Also this is a non profit org with a strong community ethos.
Thanks for these suggestions – making a note of them 🙂
Unfortunately the Waltham Forest Bike Recycling scheme has now been closed down by the council. A big shame as it was very popular with people coming from the surrounding boroughs.
Thanks for bringing to our attention Nick. I’ll update this and replace it with the Ealing Bike Hub which I neglected the first time round.
hi,i am going to start my own cycle repair help on a saturday afternoon from 1-5 in lewisham, i intend to help other cyclists do repairs on gears,brakes,bb, headset,hubs,spokes either show or help at my home address. i am a lone wolf operating on saturday by appt only! love rowkski xxx
Hi, do you still do it?
Jan, Lewisham
I have about 5 bike’s all sizes that I would like to donate to a bike kitchen for anyone to have