Doctor Bike

Doctor Bike is a free and fully-qualified bike mechanic service for staff and students. It regularly visits the University to help fix minor problems and provide maintenance advice.

The Doctor Bike mechanic will provide:

  • a free bike safety inspection
  • fixing of minor problems on the spot (brakes, gear problems, punctures)
  • advice on best practice for looking after your bike

Doctor Bike Sessions are completely free to all University of Edinburgh staff and students (you may be asked to show your staff ID or student matriculation card) and are provided throughout the year across all of the main University sites. 

There is no need to pre-book, simply turn up and join the queue. The mechanics will try their best to see everyone, so at busier times they may not be able to address more complicated issues, but they will gladly offer an initial diagnosis and further advice on fixing the problem.

Please note that all dates provided below are subject to change. Please check before attending.

A logo for the Doctor Bike service. The text says "Doctor Bike: Free bike check-up"

BikeRegister & D-locks

Subject to availability, staff from the University's Transport & Parking Office usually attend Dr Bike sessions to provide free bike security marking to University students and staff. You can also collect a kit from the Estates Department office (9-11 Infirmary Street) any time during opening hours.

We no longer sell D-locks at these events, but they can be ordered online for collection from the Estates Department.

Timetable - Summer 2026

Doctor Bike visits the Central Area approximately monthly, and is located outside Appleton Tower Green Hub (and next to the Visitors' Centre in bad weather). All events take place from 12pm to 2pm.

The dates for Summer 2026 - Spring 2027 are:

  • Thursday 21 May 2026
  • Tuesday 23 June 2026
  • Thursday 17 September 2026
  • Thursday 15 October 2026
  • Thursday 12 November 2026
  • Thursday 10 December 2026
  • Thursday 14 January 2027
  • Thursday 11 February 2027
  • Thursday 11 March 2027
  • Thursday 22 April 2027
  • Thursday 20 May 2027

Doctor Bike at the King's Buildings takes place approximately monthly, and is located outside the Nucleus Building from 12pm to 2pm.

Dates for Summer 2026 - Spring 2027 are:

  • Thursday 14 May 2026
  • Thursday 11 June 2026
  • Thursday 9 July 2026
  • Thursday 13 August 2026
  • Friday 18 September 2026
  • Thursday 22 October 2026
  • Thursday 19 November 2026
  • Thursday 17 December 2026
  • Thursday 21 January 2027
  • Thursday 18 February 2027
  • Thursday 18 March 2027
  • Wednesday 28 April 2027
  • Wednesday 26 May 2027

Doctor Bike at Easter Bush usually takes place around twice a semester, located outside the Roslin Institute from 12pm to 2pm.

Dates for Summer 2026 - Spring 2027 are:

  • Wednesday 24 June 2026
  • Tuesday 22 September 2026
  • Tuesday 24 November 2026
  • Tuesday 23 March 2027
  • Tuesday 25 May 2027

Doctor Bike takes place monthly, in Hospital Square from 12pm to 2pm (or behind Chancellor's Building in poor weather), then outside Usher Building from 2:30pm to 3.30pm.

Staff from the NHS and other organisations working on the BioQuarter site are also welcome to use this service.

Dates for 2026 are:

  • Thursday 28 May 2026
  • Thursday 25 June 2026
  • Thursday 30 July 2026
  • Thursday 27 August 2026
  • Thursday 24 September 2026
  • Thursday 29 October 2026
  • Thursday 26 November 2026

Doctor Bike take place approximately twice a semester, next to Institute of Genetics and Cancer from 12pm to 2pm.

Dates for Summer 2026 - Spring 2027 are:

  • Wednesday 20 May 2026
  • Wednesday 12 August 2026
  • Tuesday 27 October 2026
  • Tuesday 23 February 2027
  • Tuesday 27 April 2027

Doctor Bike takes place approximately twice a semester, and is located outside the JMCC. Times can vary depending on the time of year.

Dates and times for Summer 2026 - Spring 2027:

  • Wednesday 30 September 2026 17:00 - 19:00
  • Wednesday 18 November 2026 14:00 - 16:00
  • Wednesday 17 February 2027 14:00 - 16:00
  • Wednesday 31 March 2027 17:00 - 19:00