'On your bike': Offaly cyclists taught important skills at workshop
Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group and Tullamore Tidy Towns host Bicycle Repair Workshop
A FREE bike repair workshop was held in St Mary’s Youth and Community Centre in Tullamore as a part of National Climate Week on October 13 last.
The event was run through the collaboration of the Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group and Tullamore Tidy Towns.
The attendees with their bicycles in tow were shown how to carry out simple maintenance. Bob Byrne from Edenderry facilitated this workshop providing tools and cleaning supplies while imparting his knowledge to the eager attendees.
People learned about aspects of general bike servicing such as cleaning, chain lubrication, tightening of fixtures and then more complex tasks such as adjusting derailleurs and handlebars.
Learning such skills promotes sustainability and self-sufficiency among locals who cycle often, as either their primary mode of transport or as an enjoyable hobby.
Helena, who attended, said that the event “was very helpful to get some advice on how to maintain my bicycle. I use it regularly so it's always good to be able to do a few odd jobs myself that crop up every now and again.”
It's a bygone era where people were often able to fix and mend everyday items, the workshop represented an opportunity for both young people and adults to learn and apply these valuable skills.