BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Already making big waves in the trade, Bike Doctor has now secured Transport for London’s extensive cycle fleet maintenance tender.
Run by Julia and Sean Lally – who is also a non-executive director of the cycle-share system Citybyke – The Bike Doctor was set up in 2007 within London, primarily as an on-the-move cycle repair outfit. What’s more, the service is run by trained mechanics aboard specially adapted bicycles and has already served many big names within Westminster, including David Cameron and Dr Kim Howells.
Lally told BikeBiz: “TfL put out a serious contract to maintain its large cycle fleet and there was plenty of response, too. We already maintain and often custom-build fleets for the police and ambulance services within London and, fortunately, TfL awarded us the contract.”
The Bike Doctor has been stirring the trade in recent months too, attracting big name sponsors such as Hope, Brompton, Continental, Specialized and Trek. This support, however, is geared towards Lally’s soon-to-be-launched Bike Doctor academy – a facility offering cycle training geared toward ‘Joe Public’ and offering City and Guilds qualifications.
Lally added: “The academy is a new venture, with the purpose of training members of the public, and initial reactions to the announcement have been strong with several sponsors coming on board. The planned launch is scheduled for July and we’ve established interest from prospective students already.
I’m also in contact with several retailers, many of which are interested in offering work experience placements. It’s mutually beneficial, as before long we’ll see the shortage of trade mechanics addressed. I’m really enthused by the training material too –it’s fantastic.”
The state-of-the-art training facility is currently nearing the end of its construction and is based in the centre of London. More information on the company’s strict ethical policy, Academy plans and services can be found at www.the-bike-doctor.co.uk.
