Over the last few years, cycling has begun to dominate daily commutes and everyday treks. This increase in pedalling has only gone up with lockdown restrictions. Richard Betts, the owner of Little Biker Boyz in Barking Road, Plaistow, however, explains that bike shops are not thriving like people may think.

Starting out as a motorcycle mechanic, Richard was inspired by motorbikes from the ’80s and had a particular passion for mini motorbikes. Little Biker Boys started as a motorbike shop but due to increasing expenses, it became harder and harder to sustain. “I was selling stuff at a car boot sale and I saw people selling old second-hand bikes and just thought to myself ‘that might work’ – so it was luck, really.” On an educated impulse, Richard started repairing and selling bikes after attending online mechanic classes to transfer his skills – and has never gone back.

Even though the pandemic has caused high demand for bikes, parts to make and repair have been hard to come by due to shipment issues caused by Covid 19. As a result, the company has been unable to sell bikes and repairs to keep up with this increase in demand. With the help of other independent biking businesses, Richard has been exchanging parts and bulk buying to stay afloat.

In terms of government support, Richard described a feeling of hopelessness. While Newham Council did give them the initial Small Business Support Grant Scheme fund of £10,000, that was given to the owner of the building rather than to each individual shop owner. Therefore, that fund was divided up between the shops. Richard has also been having problems expanding his shop to cope with the new customers, even though he owns the land he wishes to expand on, as the council refuses to remove a tree that is blocking the path.Bike enthusiasts can help small businesses like Richard’s by making sure they go to reputable mechanics and shops. With dreams of eventually living on a boat in Devon and expanding his shop to a larger mega-store, Little Biker Boyz is still a fundamental part of Richard Betts’ life – “if you wanted me out of this shop, you’d have to drag me out and shoot me.”

Little Biker Boyz – 584 Barking Rd, London E13 9JU

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