Results of the pilot program at five schools

Dr Cranky’s – Bikes for kids that need them
 
Dr Cranky’s is a community-based bike recycle program that aims to ensure all kids have access to a roadworthy bike. Donated bikes are recycled and given to those that need them at participating schools. Volunteers and staff help us do repairs on bikes at school Bicycle Hospitals or School Bike Checks.  Dr Cranky's is a registered charity that relies on volunteers, donations and community support. 

Our Bike Checks at schools and community centres are co-designed and funded with local councils and schools. See our backyard bike mechanic YouTube videos for how to fix your bike at home.

As of 15 February 2026, Dr Cranky's has repaired or given away 7,419 bikes or scooters at 113 schools or community centres with the help of over 50 volunteers. We've connected with 11, 044 people in these settings and completed 13,278 individual repairs (including 1,792 new bells). The program generates over 702,366 extra bike rides a year. That's a lot of healthier children and families!

In 2019 Dr Cranky's received the VicHealth award for Promoting health through physical activity and sport. We completed a VicHealth Ideas Partnership Grant with local councils and schools that showed the benefits of school Bike Check sessions. 
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Dr Cranky's gets more people riding: 

• people who receive a bike or repair from Dr Cranky's ride their bikes on average 2.4 times a week
• Dr Cranky's turns non-riders into regular riders. After receiving a bike, 3/4 of non-riders started riding at least once a week. 

Check out the articles from the Age (2018); Renew (2020) and AEU News (2020). 

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Bicycle recycling at schools - Bicycle Hospitals 

Donated bikes are refurbished and given to kids and families that need them. A helmet and a lock are also provided if required. The program relies on the support from at least two volunteer parents, and the school.

School and Community Bike Checks 

Dr Cranky's comes to your school or centre and checks/repairs student & family bikes. We also provide recycled bikes to those that need them.  Usually funded with the local council. Our record is 105 bikes checked in one day. 

Where do we operate?

Check out the map to see which schools we operate in and the results for each one.