The Shimano stand was part of city-wide celebrations to mark 100 days to go until the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships, which will see 13 UCI World Championships take place in Glasgow and across Scotland between 3 and 13 August.
Four mechanics representing bike components manufacturer Shimano and Billy Bilsland Cycles were at hand to provide a safety check on commuters’ bikes.
Shimano chose Broomielaw, next to the Nextbike Broomielaw Cycle Hire Station as the venue for its pop-up service centre because of its proximity to the National Cycle Route 75, popular with commuters. Operational from 6.30am to 6.30pm the Service Centre was open to anyone on a bike, from students, to leisure riders and commuters.
Focus on safety
One of the key themes that arose during the day was the importance of regular servicing of bikes to ensure they are safe to ride.
Out of more than 100 bikes serviced throughout the day using the M-check pattern (from the front hub to the back of the bike), many needed considerable work to be made roadworthy. The owners were reminded of the importance to care for their bikes to get a maximum of pleasure and be able to ride safely.
A partner of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) since 1999 and a UCI World Cycling Partner since 2021, Shimano is also a main partner of the upcoming UCI Cycling World Championships.
Tessa Bos, International Team Lead Events at Shimano explained: “As main partner of the UCI Cycling World Championships it is super valuable to be able to give something back to all the bikers in Glasgow.
“Today we are here for the commuters who use their bike on a regular, or maybe even daily basis, and whose bikes deserve some extra good care by the Shimano Service Centre mechanics. Shimano’s Mission Statement is not without reason: To promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us.”
The Shimano pop-up Service Centre was one of several activities organised to mark the 100 days to go mark before the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships: yesterday also saw the launch of a 23 Million Mile Challenge, encouraging people to sign up and contribute to the collective target of 23 million miles cycled across the UK ahead of the biggest cycling event in the world.