summary
What: Do-it-yourself bike repair shop
When: Every Friday in July, August, September, October, and November.
Except for July 31 and August 7, 14, and 21. The bike mechanic is on vacation on these days.
Hours: Open from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: At the Maakbar on Ceuvelplein (outdoors, covered)
Who: Anyone who wants to learn how to repair and maintain their own bike.
Admission: Please sign up here so we know how many people to expect.
Having trouble signing up? Just stop by!
Do-It-Yourself Bike Repair Hub “De Standaard”
This community bike kitchen is an accessible bike repair Hub at De Ceuvel, where you can stop by every Friday in 2026 to learn how to repair and maintain your own bike with the help of an experienced bike mechanic from De Standaard by your side.
Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, a squeaky chain, or are just curious about how your bike works, here you’ll find the space, the tools, and the knowledge you need to roll up your sleeves and get to work. No complicated technical terms or expensive repair bills, just working together at your own pace and skill level.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also learn skills that will serve you well for years to come. Getting a bike repaired can be quite expensive. And perhaps best of all: you’re not on your own. Between lubricating chains and changing tires, you’ll meet other Ceuvelaars, new people, and neighbours, and you’ll help build a community where knowledge and tools are simply shared.
This idea also ties in with the broader reason why De Ceuvel is organising this workshop: at a time when public transportation is becoming increasingly expensive, and we’re more inclined to throw things away than to repair them, De Standaard offers a shared space where both practical and social solutions can be tested and shared. Together, we explore what’s possible with a bicycle and what can still be repaired, leading us to surprising solutions for giving old parts a new lease on life.
Come on by, bring your bike, and discover just how much fun tinkering with it really is!
What is a community bike kitchen?
A community bike kitchen is a shared space where an organisation, in this case De Ceuvel, provides a do-it-yourself bike repair station. Here, knowledge, tools, and space are shared. The goal of the bike kitchen is to teach people how to repair their own bikes.
The advantage of this is that costs stay low, allowing you to enjoy your bike for longer. After all, having a bike repaired can quickly get expensive. Plus, biking is good for your health, and you’ll meet new people while you’re getting it repaired.
A few fun facts about cycling:
- There are more than 850,000 bicycles in Amsterdam!
- The city has more than 500 kilometres of bike paths.
- About 6,000 bicycles are fished out of the water every year.
- In Amsterdam, we save about 19 million euros a year in public transportation costs by hopping on our bikes. 19 million!
“A do-it-yourself workshop is for everyone and every bike. It’s a place where sustainability, community, and self-reliance take center stage.”
– Alessandro
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I just drop by?
Please sign up in advance using this form so the bike mechanic knows how many people to expect. Having trouble signing up online? Then just drop by.
I’m not at all handy. Can I still work on my own bike?
No problem, you can learn how. You’ll get guidance from a bike mechanic. You can ask all your questions and learn by doing: start with a small repair or simple maintenance, and you’ll naturally get better at it.
Does it cost anything?
Use of the space, tools, and guidance is free. Donations are always welcome! We offer a selection of parts that can be reused from old bikes. These are available for a donation. Any additional parts you need for your repair are your responsibility to pay for and arrange.
What can I come in for?
De Standaard focuses on repairs and maintenance. You can hang up your bike, and basic tools are available so you can get to work on it yourself. Do you have a bigger project for your bike? Let us know using the form. We’ll work with you to see what’s possible.
I’m not sure what parts I need for my bike. How can I find out?
Stop by during opening hours on a Friday beforehand and talk to the bike mechanic about what you need. That way, you’ll be well-prepared when you start working on your bike.
Safety and Guidelines
You are and will remain responsible for your own safety and your bike. Therefore, be sure to wear clothes that can get dirty.
Follow De Standaard on Instagram
Join the “Do-It-Yourself Bike Workshop” subgroup in the Ceuvel WhatsApp community.
The Standard DIY Bike Workshop is made possible in part by Vereniging de Ceuvel, Noordmakers, and the efforts of volunteers.
