100 signatures reached
To: Leader of North Yorkshire County Council
Let us fix bikes
"We call on NYCC to withdraw the planning enforcement warning against Spokey Dokey, and to adopt a more supportive approach to small-scale community bike repair."
We are asking NYCC to withdraw the planning enforcement warning issued to Spokey Dokey — a local project offering affordable bike repairs from a residential garage — and to ensure planning policy supports, not punishes, community action.
Fixing bikes shouldn’t be treated like a planning violation. We’re not a nuisance, we’re a local resource.
National policy encourages councils to promote active travel. Local decisions must support that goal — not stand in its way.
We call on the council to:
- Withdraw this warning.
- Clarify planning guidance to protect small-scale community repair and reuse.
- Support active travel through practical, community-led initiatives like ours.
Why is this important?
Fixing bikes in a garage shouldn’t be treated like a crime — especially when we’re helping people travel sustainably, affordably, and safely.
Our small local project, Spokey Dokey, is facing a planning enforcement warning from the council for doing just that: repairing bikes in a residential garage. It’s being labelled a “change of use” — as if we’re running a factory, not helping neighbours keep their bikes on the road.
This doesn’t just affect us. It sets a worrying precedent for anyone trying to do good in their community — whether that’s fixing bikes, running a tool library, or creating local solutions where the system is falling short.
By signing this petition, you're saying:
- Communities shouldn’t be punished for stepping up.
- Councils must support, not stifle, active travel and repair culture.
- Common sense should guide planning — not bureaucracy that blocks climate and wellbeing goals.
If we stay silent, this kind of enforcement could quietly kill off the very projects our towns and cities need.
🛠️ Help us push back. Sign and share.
