Re-cycling: Green Bikes!
The New Zealand Green Bike Trust was formed in 2002 to trial various cycling initiatives for residents, community organisations and visitors in Porirua.
In 2003 the Trust completed its trials, and has over the past five years launched a Community Free Bike Programme, distributing free recycled bikes to community groups and disadvantaged families in Wellington, the Earn a Bike Programme (where individual members of the public can earn a free bike through working in the Trust’s workshop), the Tertiary Rental Programme – a low cost sustainable transportation alternative for students – and the Business rental Programme for the Wellington region.
The New Zealand Green Bike Trust would like to replicate these programmes by setting up branches in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin with like-minded individuals and community groups with assistance from local councils and government agencies.
For more information and contact details visit their website.
A similar initiative exists in Palmerston North. Hosted by Massey University, the Palmerston North Green Bike Trust recycles used bikes and sells or hires out restored bikes. Demand for their refurbished bikes has grown to the point where it now outstrips supply.
About one thousand bikes a year are recycled with the main restriction being lack of supply of donated bikes. A restored adult’s bike costs $50 and a child’s bike $35 with the money going to cover costs such as mechanics wages. The Trust reaches further afield than just Palmerston North with donated bikes coming from as far away as Hawkes Bay and some restored bikes have been sent to the Pacific Islands.
You can contact the Palmerston North Green Bike Trust on 06 356 9099 ex 7105
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