A 'bike hospital' changing the face of transportation on Thursday Island
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (349771)
Rockingham, Australia
April 2, 2025 7:59pm CST
Thursday Island (TI) in the Torres Strait between Australia and New Guinea has no public transport system. It has an area of 3.5-square-kilometres and a designated cycleway but, until now, very few bikes. Part of the problem was the cost of importing bikes from Cairns, 1,000 kms away.
There are more cars than people on the island; traffic was beginning to be a problem and fuel prices are incredibly high.
But now a group of enthusiasts are encouraging bike use by everyone. Crowdfunding enabled them to import 100 bikes. There is a weekly bike-to-school ‘bus’ which I guess is just a group going together.
But the part I love is that they have a monthly ‘bike hospital’ where they havee repaired and rehomed dozens of unused bikes. They have also taught locals how to repair and maintain their own bicycles. I’ve heard of doll hospitals but this is the first one I’ve heard of that is for bikes.
The photo is of a guy who was riding the Mundi Biddi 1065 kms cycling trail. We helped him find parts for his bike and enjoyed his company for the evening.
15 people like this
15 responses
@snowy22315 (187050)
• United States
3 Apr
Very cool and first I've heard of Thursday island
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (144766)
• United States
21h
Mom rode a three-wheeled bike for years and went riding with us when we still lived out in the country.
I'd need an adult tricycle now, too.
2 people like this
@sallypup (63448)
• Centralia, Washington
11h
@DaddyEvil @JudyEvil Those three wheeled bikes are quite attractive. I like that often there is a big basket on the front or back. I would be worried about it if I left it by a grocery store while I bought food. Maybe it could be chained up?
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (144766)
• United States
21h
When I was a kid, my older brothers showed me how to do repairs on my bike and I taught Pretty when she was old enough to do the work herself. She bought a new-to-her bike last year and needed a refresher course in bike repairs. I've shown her again how to change and repair a flat tire and how to maintain the chain on her bike. (I keep wishing I could still ride a bike. Pretty gave my last bike away when I got dizzy and crashed. She was scared I'd break bones trying to ride it.)
That sounds like a good way to help people. I hope they're all enjoying their bikes.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (144766)
• United States
17h
@JudyEv We always had horses on the farm but I always rode a bike, too. I had a ten-speed racing bike since I was in my early-20s and rode it around town and added a baby seat to it after Pretty was around 2 years old and took her riding with me. She and I spent a lot of time riding bikes, roller skating on the streets and then rollerblading on the streets here until I was in my mid-40s when people started getting annoyed with people on "their" streets and started forcing us off the roads. We stopped doing anything except driving on the roads after that.
Edit to add: I had forgotten about mom riding the adult trike. And yes, I'd try that if I can find one to buy.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (349771)
• Rockingham, Australia
14h
@DaddyEvil Some people get very 'territorial' about their space. Our cities and suburbs are quite well off for separate bike paths and/or lanes. I think any new road put in now has to have a bike lane as well.
1 person likes this
@terri0824 (5083)
• United States
13h
You are right, I've heard of Doll Hospitals, but never of a bike hospital. But that's cool to bring old bikes back to life.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (349771)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
It's been very good for that island in all sorts of ways.
@allknowing (143204)
• India
4h
For a moment, my dumb brain thought it was a service for sick people
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (349771)
• Rockingham, Australia
14h
I thought it was a wonderful idea. It's also good for their mental and physical health.
@wolfgirl569 (113867)
• Marion, Ohio
14h
Never heard of a bike hospital. That's a good idea
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (83541)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7h
That is terrific for bike riders, It can get expensive,
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (349771)
• Rockingham, Australia
52m
What do you mean by 'bus' if it isn't a bus? 
I've seen 'posts' in caravan parks and on bike trails. They have the tools you need to make minor repairs - all chained to the post of course.
I've seen 'posts' in caravan parks and on bike trails. They have the tools you need to make minor repairs - all chained to the post of course.
@LeaPea2417 (37702)
• Toccoa, Georgia
10h
I don't bike anymore since I fell off one and hurt myself. That was 10 years ago. What I really would like to ride are those adult tricycles with the 3 wheels.l think they are safer.
@JudyEv (349771)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
I wouldn't be safe on a two-wheeler but a 3-wheeler would be fun.
