About us

The Pedallers’ Arms is a place to come and learn how to repair your bike in a friendly atmosphere. We are a co-operative of people, all volunteers, who want to help people fix up their own bikes. The emphasis is on “anyone can fix their bike”. We have tools, books and time for you. Come drop into one of our sessions. Our aims are: 0. To exist. 1. To empower people to maintain their own bicycle. 2. To provide a safe space where anyone can work and learn regardless of privilege, ability, or class. 3. To stock second-hand bicycle parts – saving people money and reducing waste. 4. To create a culture of skill-sharing and support. 5. To follow co-operative principles. Our basic rules for the workshop are:

• You need to be 18 or over (or be looked after by somebody who is 18 or over.)
• No new jobs after 7.30pm – start finishing off what you’re doing.
• Please come to this learning environment sober.
• Your bike & the work you do here are your responsibility.

Please be prepared to wear a face mask. Some of our volunteer mechanics will ask that you wear one while you are in the workshop and if you decline they will not be able to assist you with any jobs that require close working. If you wish to wear a face mask out of personal choice then this is of course completely fine. If you would like a mechanic to wear a face mask when they are working closely with you then please just say and one of the mechanics on shift will be happy to do so What to expect at Pedallers’:

• Helpful mechanics and volunteers with name badges.
• Access to tools for most of your bike jobs – please ask if you are not sure.
• Other visitors who might also have some words of advice.
• If someone is being abusive, disruptive or offensive, we will try our best to make the workshop feel safe.
• As much bike help as you need but maybe not as much help as you want – we are often quite busy.
• We will let you know if we don’t know how to do something, and try to find a solution together.
• If you are being abusive, offensive, disruptive or insensitive, we will let you know clearly.  If you don’t stop, we will ask you to leave.
• If you respond with hostility or threatening behaviour, you will be banned from the workshop for at least 1 month.

What we expect from you:

• At busy times we might ask you to wait for a space, stand or mechanic to become free.
• When you’re done, we’ll ask for some money towards our running costs, and any parts you’ve used.
• Let other people work without interruption unless they ask you for help or advice.
• Be polite, and respectful to everyone.
• Respect people’s autonomy and personal space.
• Listen carefully to people when they’re spending time helping you.
• If we ask you to stop doing something, or leave, please trust that we’re asking for a good reason.
• If you’re not sure what tool or part is best, please ask before you risk breaking something. (your bike, our tool, yourself …)

Please be prepared to wear a face mask. Some of our volunteer mechanics will ask that you wear one while you are in the workshop and if you decline they will not be able to assist you with any jobs that require close working. If you wish to wear a face mask out of personal choice then this is of course completely fine. If you would like a mechanic to wear a face mask when they are working closely with you then please just say and one of the mechanics on shift will be happy to do so What we don’t do:

• Fix your bike for you
• hydraulic systems
• suspension servicing
• powered elements of electric bikes, or issues impacted by powered elements
• scooters

Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection

Pedallers’ Arms has a Child and Vulnerable adult policy which we ask all our volunteers to follow. We are unable to accommodate unaccompanied under 18s. Under 18s may participate when accompanied by an adult. We will try our best to keep dangerous tools out of the way, but it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to look out for the safety of their charge.

Whistle blowing

If any person has a complaint about a volunteer at Pedallers’ we have a whistle blowers policy. We will take every complaint seriously.

Equal Opportunities

We are a diverse group with different strengths and weaknesses, and as such we recognise the right for all to be welcomed and included in any and all activities insofar as it is possible. We may from time to time choose to run ‘closed’ sessions for subgroups who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, however on all other occasions, nether membership nor access will be refused on the basis of gender, race, religion, economic status or legal status. We will work hard to provide opportunities for all levels of ability – either technical ability, physical ability or language proficiency, however we are ourselves volunteers and cannot guarantee that we will always be able to give you all the support you need. If you have specific needs that you need us to know about but simultaneously need to be treated with confidence, please approach us in person, or contact us in advance of your visit.