Andy gears up for wheels role

A charity’s drive to get more people on their bike has moved up another gear after taking on a new mechanic.

Tonic Health launched Wheels For Life with Active Lincolnshire last year. The scheme takes in donated old and broken bikes and will make them usable again for those who might otherwise not have access to a bike.
The scheme has proved such a success it has been rolled out county-wide.
Tonic Health is continuing from its Holbeach Hub, and has taken on Andy Nicholson (pictured) and his expertise as a mechanic.
Michael Morris, Tonic Health’s Chair of the Trustees, said: “We’re delighted to have Andy on-board and it is great that we have had several others also register their interest.
“Schemes like this run on the help and support of amazing volunteers and we could not do it without them.
“We have now had over 50 bikes donated, so we cannot wait to get the team started to give these bikes a new life so that people can start to enjoy the benefits a bike will bring.’’
Andy said: ‘‘I found out about the scheme through the Holbeach Hub, and we had initially had an idea about a similar scheme repairing bikes. Now I am retired, I thought it would be an interesting exercise and to help me learn some new skills.
“I have always ridden bikes but never seriously.
“Riding was more about getting around the town in an eco-friendly way as I do have a passion for bikes being ridden on the road rather than on the pavement.
“I want to be able to enable people to get onto two wheels and to enjoy the benefits of cheap, healthy and ecofriendly transport.’’
Full training is provided as part of the scheme for volunteers, enabling them to achieve their City and Guilds Level 2 Cycle Mechanic qualification.
“The training was very thorough and comprehensive,” Andy said.
“I have learnt to do things like wheel building that I thought were beyond me. Anyone can volunteer, and if any technical help is needed, there will always be someone there ready and willing to assist you with any issues.”
You can contact the team at holbeachhub@tonic-health.co.uk or call 07471 515232.