Look after your bike – if it is defined as unroadworthy, with two or more of the following problems – it may be considered abandoned and taken away:
- flat front/rear/both tyres
- missing wheel
- missing seat
- buckled front/rear/both wheels
- bent forks
- seized/damaged brakes
- rusted chain/gears
- missing chain
If your bike needs a minor repair, take a look at these videos to help you fix some common problems. Otherwise, help is on hand from the Mobile Mechanic Scheme.
The University has teamed up with two local companies – Oxford Mobile Cycle Repairs (OMCR) and Walton Street Cycles (WSC) – to provide staff with a mobile bike repair service for punctures, brakes, cables, gears and lights.
Labour is free for staff (although not for students), as long as you use the bike to travel to and from work or on University business, and you must show your University card. You will need to pay at the point of service for any parts your bike needs, but your mobile mechanic will give you a quote before undertaking any work.
The mobile mechanic can only repair a limited number of bicycles in each session on a first come, first served basis.
Mobile mechanic sessions (also known as the Bike Doctor)
Please note all timings listed below are subject to demand. If demand is low, the mechanics may leave early, so we recommend bringing your bike for repairs earlier in the day if possible.
Oxford Mobile Cycle Repairs
- Oxford University Old Road Campus (between the Big Data Institute and Kennedy Institute buildings), Fridays 9am – 5pm. This service operates via a booking sheet available midday - 4pm on Thursdays at the Richard Doll Building reception. Payment is by cash only.
- University Club, Wednesdays 9am – 4pm. Located in the cycle parking area. Use the vehicle delivery entrance to the University Club by the fenced sports pitch and follow the curved wall round to the right. Payment is by cash only.
Walton Street Cycles
- Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, outside the Gibson building, second and fourth Fridays of the month 8:30am – 3:30pm.
- St Cross/Manor Rd Buildings car park, St Cross Road, first and third Fridays of the month 8:30am – 3:30pm.