The trust was originally formed in 2002 to provide a free bike program for local residents and visitors to the Porirua central business district.
Unwanted bikes (300+) were donated by the public and collected from various refuse dumps throughout Wellington; then painted, serviced and made roadworthy by volunteers working out of the Trust’s workshop in Porirua.
People could simply pick up a free recycled bike including a safety helmet, ride it to their destination then leave them for someone else to use at dedicated drop off points around the CBD. Information about the program was widely promoted by the local media, Point of Sale and community organizations.
The Trust lost 80% of these bikes during the next two years for various reasons, theft, vandalism, abandonment, accidents and mechanical failure. In 2003 The Trust decided to cancel the program and investigate ways in which to reduce these problems and the cost of replacing recycled bikes and parts.
During the past 2 years the trust has;
- Opted for distributing free recycled bikes in Wellington to community groups and disadvantaged families
- Set up a Bike Wise rental program to hire new bikes to schools, activity groups and local and central government agencies to promote road safety, safe cycling skills and bike maintenance
- Developed a new green bike rental program for tertiary institutes, corporate businesses and tourist operators
- Re-branded the trust/programs and launched a new website.
This has all been achieved through the hard work of the trustees and a dedicated band of volunteers with income coming from Bike Wise hire fees and grants from the Porirua City Council, Wellington City Council and local gaming trusts. |
