Free cycle health checks at railway stations in South West Surrey

Visitors to some South Western Railway stations will be able to get their bike checked over the next few weeks.

A partnership between South Western Railway’s (SWR) Surrey Hills to South Downs Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and a local bike mechanic means the health checks will be carried out free of charge.

After a recent visit to Farncombe station, Marc Cousins, The Cycologist made 16 bikes roadworthy, and more sessions have now been planned.

Milford railway station cycle check — Credit: SWR

On the following Saturdays , The Cycologist will be visiting Farncombe, Milford and Godalming stations between 10am and 2.30pm.

29th January (Godalming)
12th February (Milford)
26th February (Farncombe)
12th March (Godalming)
26th March (Milford)

In addition, local stations feature in a new guide of bike rides in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South Downs National Park.

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The station-to-station bike rides have rides for all abilities. They start and finish at Farncombe, Godalming, Milford, Witley and Haslemere stations.

You can download the cycle guide here.

Marc Cousins, The Cycologist, said: “These sessions offer a friendly, supportive environment for anyone wanting a new pastime or thinking of getting back into cycling and perhaps lacking a bit of motivation or confidence. By organising these events the Surrey Hills to South Downs Community Rail Partnership has recognised the unique opportunity to re-establish the station as the heart of the local community, connecting rail travel with all the attractions of the local area, through the simple enjoyment of cycling”.

Lucy Lomax, Line Officer for the Surrey Hills to South Downs CRP, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that The Cycologist has been able to use the car parks at our stations to offer free bike health checks. These are great for members of the local community as well as people visiting the area to try one of our station-to-station bike rides. It’s amazing how few people know just how easy it is to access the area by train and get out and explore the area by bike. There are rides suitable for all abilities, which have been planned by a local cycling expert, and all start and finish at stations on the Surrey Hills to South Downs line.”