Free bike service training for everyone
In collaboration with the City of Espoo, RD Physics is developing a mobile bicycle maintenance training program for residents. The training allows participants to service their own bikes and learn basic repair skills. All workshops are free of charge. The next bicycle maintenance workshop will be held in Leppävaara from June 11th to 13th. These sessions are part of the Sustainable Future Districts -pilot program.
The chains may be squeaking, but not for long. In partnership with the City of Espoo, RD Physics is offering mobile bicycle maintenance training as part of the "Sustainable Future Districts" pilot program. The training is completely free of charge for participants. In these workshops, people can work on their own bicycles and learn basic repair skills such as patching tires, lubricating chains, and adjusting brakes and gears. The goal is to lower the threshold for doing bike repairs, extend the lifespan of bicycles, and reduce the number of abandoned bikes. RD Physics’ Kim-Niklas Antin provides expert guidance with confident professionalism.
Bringing Bicycle Maintenance Closer and Within Everyone’s Reach
In the past, bike maintenance workshops were held on single days, attracting only occasional visitors. A longer-term workshop, however, clearly draws more residents and passers-by. Despite the weather, the recent bicycle maintenance week in Matinkylä saw a steady stream of people. “There were crowds of people. If you wait until the last minute to get your bike serviced, you may end up standing in line longer. So it’s best to come early!” Antin advises.
The aim of the workshops is to provide affordable and accessible training in servicing one’s own bike. The mobile workshop lowers the barrier to self-service and encourages people to take charge of basic maintenance. Thanks to its mobility, residents from different neighborhoods can easily bring their bikes in for servicing. Anyone is welcome to participate, regardless of income level.
Low-cost bicycles make up the majority of the local bike fleet and are most in need of maintenance. However, owners often lack the means or willingness to invest in servicing them. To conserve natural resources, it’s crucial to maintain older bikes and keep them in use as long as possible. Doing your own repairs can also provide a sense of accomplishment and strengthen your connection to cycling. Keeping your bike roadworthy for as long as possible is a real act of circular economy!
Where and When?
The previous bicycle maintenance week took place in May at Espoo’s Matinkylä metro station. The next sessions will be held in Leppävaara on June 11–13 at Urheilupuistonaukio, Veräjäpellonkatu 17, from Wednesday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. That same week, the workshop will also be at the "End of an (K)ERA" event at Keran Hallit on June 14, where bikes can be serviced between 11 AM and 7 PM. The final workshop will take place on Espoo Day, August 30, at the city garden in Vanttila.
Learn more about the events through the following links:
- June 11–13 in Leppävaara: Learn to maintain your own bike – Free repair workshop at Leppävaara Sports Park | City of Espoo
- June 14 at Keran Hallit, Facebook event: End of an (K)ERA | Facebook(external link, opens in a new window)
- Espoo Day, August 29–30: Espoo Day | Espoo celebrates!(external link, opens in a new window)
TEXT: Jeremi Vahtera
