Posted: 19 November, 2025
At Wheels for All, we know that safe, reliable cycles are essential to delivering the inclusive sessions our participants rely on. Across all our Hubs, volunteers play a crucial role in keeping sessions running smoothly and recently our volunteers took on some additional training to support cycle maintenance on site.
One of our Kendal volunteers, Eric, joined Wheels for All shortly after moving to the area. Looking for a hands-on opportunity that made a real difference, he found the perfect fit with our Kendal Hub. Seven years later, Eric remains a dedicated part of the team, helping create memorable moments for everyone who attends!
As with many of our Hubs, the Kendal team noticed that the high level of use (and the famously unpredictable Cumbrian weather) meant cycles were “taking a hammering” in their words! While our National Logistics and Maintenance Manager, Rob, visits regularly, the team wanted to be able to handle more day-to-day issues themselves to keep sessions running safely and efficiently.
So when the opportunity arose for volunteers to attend the Wheels for All Tier 2 Maintenance Course, Eric saw the potential straight away, and the Hub quickly realised what a difference the training could make.
Hosted at BikeRight in Manchester, the Tier 2 course provided two full days of hands-on learning. Led by expert trainer Hannah, the course went far deeper than expected unpacking not just the “how” of cycle maintenance, but the “why” behind it.
Eric returned to Kendal ready to put his learning into action. Alongside his fellow volunteers, he helped establish a small, dedicated maintenance group so that any mechanical issues could be directed to the right people straight away. A simple whiteboard list now guides what needs repairing, whether during a session or at separate maintenance slots.
The team also refreshed their M-check training and introduced a new culture of riding every bike before sessions begin, ensuring everything is safe and ready for participants.
Since completing the course, Eric has played a key role in tackling a range of issues independently, from general wear and tear to more complex adjustments such as chain tensioning on Theraplay trikes. With support from Rob via video call, the team has learned how to replace well-used parts like seat clamps, with every bike needing its own tailored approach.
Looking ahead, Eric and the Kendal team are exploring ways to proactively schedule maintenance, reduce the workload ahead of Rob’s visits, and continue building their confidence with further training.
According to Rob Salt, National Logistics and Maintenance Manager:
“Since providing the Tier 2 Maintenance Course, it is evident that we are now seeing a reduction in cycles being out of service. This training has empowered our volunteers and sessional staff with the skills to ensure our cycles are in safe working order and any concerns are reported. In some instances, when I have received reports of a faulty cycle, with the help of our Tier 2 trained volunteers at the Hubs, we have been able to resolve the issue without the need for the workshop to attend.”
A huge thank you to Eric and the team for taking this training on and making sure that inclusive cycling in Kendal can be delivered every week!
