A CYCLING organisation in Bradford is running a new series of maintenance workshops as part of its continued drive to get more people on to bikes.

The success of Cycle-Re-Cycle's first set of sessions led to West Yorkshire cycling group Go:Cycling to suggest they do some more.

Now, there will be four free workshops before the end of this month, starting tomorrow.

Cycle-Re-Cycle development officer Chris Evans said: "These free workshops were well received, with many people enquiring about additional aspects of maintaining/repairing their bicycles.

"Go:Cycling approached us asking if we wanted to do some more and obviously we said yes."

Among those who benefited from the initial workshops was the women's cycling club based at the African Caribbean Achievement Project (ACAP), in Claremont, Bradford. The group started in September and has now has 17 members aged between 19 and 64.

Members of the group went along to a workshop to improve their bike knowledge.

Ann-Marie Smith, who founded the ACAP cycling club, said: "It was absolutely worthwhile. The ladies - and even myself after six punctures - learned quite a lot, such as replacing a chain and making sure your brakes are at the right angle.

"I heavily recommend it - and it was fun. The guys were a laugh, easy to get on with, and approachable. You could ask them any questions.

"It was enjoyable."

Mr Evans said: "Ann-Marie said they had attended another basic maintenance workshop but that it was not hands-on, and they felt that is what they really wanted. Our workshops are very much hands-on, as this is the best way to learn."

The ACAP group started with funding for ten bikes - which members got from Cycle-Re-Cycle - and now has a waiting list of women wanting to join.

Ann-Marie said: "I have been riding around Bradford for a couple of years now. A couple of ladies were like, 'you ride?'. They wanted to ride but were a bit intimidated."

She added: "We have a 64-year-old lady who wanted to get back on a bike so she could do her shopping. It is about keeping fit as well. The ladies are more or less confident to get on the road and cycle, but now know what to do if they get a puncture."

The free workshops cover the basics of bike maintenance - so participants should expect to get greasy - including: setting up the bike for your size; adjusting brakes and changing the pads; adjusting the gears; maintaining the chain and how to replace it; removing the rear wheel and reinstalling it; fixing a puncture; and cleaning your bike. Bikes are supplied.

You must be 16 or over to take part in the maintenance sessions and there are eight spaces per session. To book a place, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cycle-re-cycle-3117895554. If you book but need to cancel, call 07835 840989 to tell Cycle-Re-Cycle.

The workshops are on tomorrow, Saturday, and February 24 and 27 at Cycle-Re-Cycle's Garden Mills workshop on Westholme Street, off Thornton Road.