A Whangarei mother whose bike wheels were stolen can visit her premature babies in hospital more easily again, thanks to the generosity of locals.

Nathalie Oberson had been biking 5km a day to visit her twins, Yann and Julie, at Whangarei Hospital's special care baby unit.

She was devastated last week when thieves stole the wheels off the bike, which was parked outside the maternity unit.

A local store has donated a new six-speed bike with helmet and security chain.