Need a bike fix? Then URRmEL is the place to be. This unique spot offers students a way to repair their bikes themselves. URRmEL stands for Universitare RadReparaturwerkstatt mit EigenLeistung. That translates to University Bike Repair Shop with Self-Service.
URRmEL has been around since 1995. Students manage it. The Studentenwerk and donations fund it. It is located at Heidelberg University. Here, students can fix and maintain their bicycles. URRmEL provides many tools. They even have special tools. The URRmEL team offers their expertise to help with repairs.
What does URRmEL want? It wants to promote cycling. Cycling is a great alternative to driving. URRmEL wants to give everyone the chance to repair their bikes cheaply. They want to take away the fear of working on bikes. Many people think bikes are too complicated. URRmEL has a large stock of used parts. Anyone can use these.
URRmEL is a self-help workshop. You repair your bike. The team gives friendly advice. They also offer helpful assistance. Students from the university can borrow trailers. They can also borrow cargo bikes. These are useful for moving or buying furniture.
You can find URRmEL in a yellow container. It’s at Im Neuenheimer Feld 706. During the semester, URRmEL opens Tuesdays and Thursdays. The opening hours are from 4 PM to 8 PM. When lectures are off, it opens only on Thursdays. The opening hours are from 2 PM to 8 PM.
The most common repair is fixing tires. Broken chains are also frequent. So are defective ball bearings. URRmEL has spare parts and tools for these repairs. E-bikes can be tricky. They are complex and expensive. Few employees are trained mechanics. URRmEL is not a repair service. It is help for self-help. You should work on your bike yourself. The friendly staff will greet newcomers. They will check the bike and guide the repair. You can learn to use the necessary tools. A broken bike quickly becomes roadworthy again. It will have lights, a bell, and inflated tires.
URRmEL also lends out bike trailers. They also offer cargo bikes. These are great for moving furniture. You can even borrow tools to assemble the furniture. URRmEL is always looking for new staff. You can learn how to repair bikes. Then you can teach others. No prior knowledge is needed. Several URRmEL staff work in two-hour shifts. So, no one is alone. URRmEL encourages women to use tools.
URRmEL opposes the biggest disadvantage. Many students don’t come because they live south of the Neckar. The way to the north with a broken bike can be difficult. URRmEL is well-attended. Students who want to get involved are always welcome.