Free bike repairs, police bike registration and free locks on Broad Street on Wednesday 4 November, 10am to 4pm, at the county's Vision Zero road safety day.

Cyclists can get their bikes checked and repaired for free on Broad Street this Wednesday, 4 November, and the police will be handing out free bike locks. The stalls run from 10am to 4pm.

It is the annual Vision Zero road safety day, run by Oxfordshire County Council with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Oxford, Thames Valley Police and the cycling campaign group Cyclox. The details are in the county council’s announcement.

What is on

  • Free bike checks and minor repairs from a mobile mechanic provided by the University of Oxford. It is first come, first served. The labour is free, but you pay for any parts.
  • Bike registration with the police, so a stolen bike can be traced back to you.
  • Free bike locks from the community policing teams, along with security advice.
  • Advice on e-scooter and e-bike law from the police.
  • A lorry cab you can sit in, to see the blind spots a driver has.
  • Cyclox on safe cycling routes in Oxford and the case for 20mph limits.

After dark: Be Bright, Be Seen

As it gets dark, the fire service and police will run their Be Bright, Be Seen operation in the city. It targets cyclists riding without lights.

“Dark evenings are approaching so we want to remind people who walk or cycle that they have a responsibility for their own safety,” said Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at the county council’s fire and rescue service.

The clocks went back on 25 October, so the evening ride home is now in the dark.

What it means for you

  • Bring the bike, not just yourself. The checks are on the bike in front of the mechanic, and slots go in the order people arrive.
  • Budget for parts. Brake pads, cables or lights cost extra if they need replacing.
  • Check your lights now. At night a bike must have a white front light and a red rear light, under rule 60 of the Highway Code.
  • Getting there. Broad Street is in the city centre, by Balliol College. See our Oxford roadworks and travel page for what is closed this week.

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