Christine Bleakley-backed bike clinics to launch in Islington

Bike clinics backed by ITV presenter Christine Bleakley will launch in Islington this weekend to tackle soaring numbers riding bikes not fit for the road.

The clinics are in reaction to recent research showing that, although more journeys are being made on two wheels than ever, three in five - 57 per cent - people are riding bikes not fit for purpose, leading to an increasing number of breakdowns.

But Barclays – sponsor of Boris bikes – is behind the clinics which will offer free safety checks in Rosemary Gardens this Saturday (18) and on May 25.

The study of more than 1,000 bike owners by the high street bank reveals nearly one in five - 18 per cent - people cycle in the dark with no lights, while 27 per cent are riding around with flat tyres.

Ashok Vaswani, of Barclays, said: “Our research reveals one in five cyclists don’t know how to do any bike maintenance whatsoever.

“At our bike clinics, cycles will get a free once over by a qualified mechanic and cyclists will be given some basic bike maintenance tips.

“We want to inspire as many people as possible to cycle and our research shows 15 per cent of people would cycle more in London if they knew how to better maintain their bikes.”

Cyclists can visit Rosemary Gardens between 12 and 2pm on the 18 and 25 for a free check up.