The Dominion (Wellington) July 29, 2000 Bikes take off for East Timor

AN AIR FORCE Hercules left Ohakea air force base yesterday carrying 100 restored, secondhand bikes destined for East Timor.

Donated by the Palmerston North Green Bike Trust they were on their way to Suai villagers in need of transport but too poor to own a bike.

Trust chairman John Hornblow, along with army and air force personnel, organised the airlift. Having restored more than 1000 bikes to provide Palmerston North's low-income earners, students and tourists with free transport, the trust had some to spare.

Collected and delivered to Ohakea by the army, the bikes were taken to Auckland's Whenuapai air force base from where they will be flown to Suai early next month.

The army has arranged for New Zealand peacekeepers to unload and distribute them to villagers who could expect another 300 later in the month.

Yesterday Mr Hornblow said if the scheme proved worthwhile there would be more deliveries.

Palmerston North residents had donated money to buy 30 puncture repair kits but more were needed.

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