Former Keighley News editor gets on his bike (From Keighley News)

Former Keighley News editor gets on his bike

9:00am Monday 25th February 2013 in Keighley

A former Keighley News editor is proving he has a wheel flair for mechanics.

Malcolm Hoddy, who retired from the KN hot seat last September, is now heading a mobile bicycle repair service.

Safe 2 Repair visits the bike owner at home or work and, where possible, carries out on-the-spot repairs.

If necessary, the cycle will be taken to a workshop for attention, and a courtesy bike service is available for people who use their machine to get to work.

“Figures show the number of people cycling in Bradford district has doubled, and numbers will increase even more during the next few years,” said Mr Hoddy, who was KN editor for 18 years.

“We know there are people of all ages and abilities who would love to get back in the saddle, but can’t because of a problem with their bicycles. Their bikes are laid up in the garage or shed gathering dust and rust. It may be something as simple as a puncture or sticking cable, or a problem with gears. Now is the time to act.”

The repair service is a new arm of Safe 2 Cycle, a business – now entering its fourth year of operation – run by Mr Hoddy’s wife, Francine.

After spending most of his life around bikes, Mr Hoddy recently formalised his qualifications by completing a residential training course, and is now a City & Guilds professional bicycle mechanic.

“We are not out to be in competition with local bike shops,” he added.

“It is part and parcel of the commitment of Safe 2 Cycle to get more children and adults of all abilities riding their bikes. There is nothing like seeing and hearing the whoops of joy from people of all ages and backgrounds when they get back in the saddle after a long break or learn to ride a bike for the first time.”

E-mail safe2repair@aol.com or call 07966 024884 for further information.