PEOPLE can have their bikes repaired for free every month in a bid to get people cycling more in a town in Oxfordshire.

Cherwell's council-run programme 'Dr Bike' has been running on the last Saturday of each month since the start of 2019, offering Bicester residents the chance to get basic bicycle repairs carried out by trained mechanics.

The project has been funded by Cherwell District Council through the Healthy Bicester scheme, with the aim of increasing the amount of people cycling in the town.

ALSO READ: Child 'could get injured' after safety barriers removed in Bicester

Mechanics from community group Bicester Green have provided the service, initially from a mobile repair hub on Sheep Street and more recently from their base at The Yard off Launton Road, repairing 106 bikes in 2019.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing said: “It’s great to see that so many people have taken advantage of the Dr Bike offer. Improving cycling provision is a key part of the development of Bicester as a Healthy New Town. It not only gives great physical benefits, but studies show it can also help to improve our mental wellbeing."

Dr Bike 2020 will launch next Saturday from 10am until 4pm, at Bicester Green’s The Yard.