Flat Tire Repair Workshop and Test Ride
In pairs, students remove a wheel, find the puncture, patch it or swap the tube, and check the repair with a short test ride. It builds self-reliance on bike rides and responsibility for one's own gear.
How to play
- Spend 5 minutes demonstrating the full process: remove the wheel, pry the tire off with tire levers, find the hole, sand, apply the patch, reinstall and inflate.
- Form pairs with one bike and one kit; the teacher has already deflated the front tires and marked a small hole in old tubes.
- First turn: one student repairs using the step sheet while the partner supervises and times (about 9 minutes).
- Switch roles on the rear wheel, which is harder because of the chain (about 9 minutes).
- Each pair pumps the tire to the pressure printed on the sidewall and does two 100 m test laps on the blacktop wearing a helmet (3 minutes).
- Close with 4 minutes on what every rider should carry: spare tube, tire levers, pump and patches.
Rules
- Never use screwdrivers to remove the tire: tire levers only.
- Check the quick release or axle nuts before the test ride.
- Helmets are required for the test ride.
- Tools go back in the box after each step.
Variations
Easier
Just swap in a new tube, no patching.
Standard
Find and patch the puncture on both the front and rear wheels.
Harder
Partner time trial with an 8-minute target, without the step sheet.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: work on a wheel mounted in a stand or on a table at the right height.
- Autism: provide the step sheet with photos and clear numbering.
- Limited fine motor skills: pair with an experienced partner and start with pumping and checking.
Learning goals
- Fix a flat tire independently and safely.
- Inspect a bike before a ride.
- Value self-reliance and prevention in cycling.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bikes: 13
- flat tire repair kits: 13
- bike pumps: 6
- helmets: 13
Teacher tip
Ask families or a local bike shop for old bikes and tubes. The common mistake is pinching the tube while seating the tire: have students add a little air before closing it up.
PatioLab has "Flat Tire Repair Workshop and Test Ride" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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