Rotorua community extends generous hand to Bicycle Recycle

Mountain Bike Rotorua co-owner Tak Mutu with a number of the bikes which will be given away. Photo / Shauni James

Now that a range of bikes have been collected for Bicycle Recycle, people can start nominating those who deserve to receive one.

Bicycle Recycle has asked people to drop their old bikes to Mountain Bike Rotorua so the bikes could get fixed up and passed on.

The Hits will now be asking for nominations of those who deserve a recycled bike.

Mountain Bike Rotorua co-owner Tak Mutu says about 150 bikes have been handed in.

Between 20 and 30 bikes will be given away to people, and the rest will go to Waikeria Prison which has a bike recycling programme.

"I was blown away. We were expecting maybe a third of that and then bikes kept rolling in."

He says they were going to be happy if they got 10 decent bikes, but some people have been generous and donated amazing bikes.

"There's a bike from 1991 but been so well looked after that it looks brand new."

There are some great forest bikes and some great ones for commuters through town.

"Every bike donated will find some sort of second life."

Tak encourages people to get nominating because it is an opportunity for those who do not have the ability to buy a brand new bike to get their hands on one.

"We want everyone to be able to go biking and enjoy the trails that are in the forest and around town.

"I'm looking forward to people who deserve it getting bikes, and getting out there and riding."

He says when people send in nominations they also need to know the person's height so they can assign the bikes appropriately.

The Hits Rotorua media personality Paul Hickey says he is excited to see the looks on people's faces as they receive their gift.

"I am sure there are lots of locals who would love to get into cycling but can't for a number of reasons, and this might just set them on their way.

"It'll be like Christmas coming a little early, and summer is the perfect time for newbies to be out on bikes around their neighbourhoods and our wonderful natural environment."

He says this is a great initiative, and they want to reach all corners of the community.

"We need our community's help to make that a reality.

"I really do encourage everyone to consider who would be a worthy recipient for a recycled bicycle, and make sure that you nominate them.

To send in a nomination go to www.thehits.co.nz/whats-on/rotorua/the-hits-bicycle-recycle/.

Nominations need to be sent in by 5pm on Wednesday.