Students at Le Amosa Savavau Preparatory School are learning how to maintain and repair bikes thanks to the generosity of the Outdoor Samoa Company.

In a community service initiative organised by the Bike Samoa Federation, mechanics from Outdoor Samoa led by Jairus Peteru, held their first workshop at the school earlier this week. Ten students and also several staff members learned how to change and repair a tyre, as well as key basics for cleaning a bicycle and storing it safely.

The workshops are part of the school's involvement in the sports of triathlon and cycling which has seen students attending training sessions five days a week and racing in monthly community events. Both students and teachers have been learning how to ride a bicycle and the next step was learning how to look after a bike and repair it.

Le Amosa Principal Donna Ioane said the workshops are helping the students gain vital skills and independence. She is a cyclist herself and knows firsthand the value of it for her students.

"Cycling is a great way to get fit and also be closer to nature. The energy from riding together with others is also contagious,” she said.  

“The safety and learning how to look out for others, that is taught is invaluable for the young people learning. Thank you Outdoor Samoa and your awesome team for giving your time to come teach our students."

Outdoor Samoa is a tour company located at Mulifanua that hires out bicycles and kayaks. It is owned by Cycle Journeys NZ.

The Samoa manager, Peter Sexton said their company is committed to seeing the continued development of cycling in Samoa.  

"Fostering young cyclists and anyone learning to ride a bike, of whatever age, is something we love to do," he said.

The company has been training local staff to be bike mechanics and one of them, Jairus Peteru, taught the workshop at Le Amosa.  

"I'm very proud of Jairus," said Mr Sexton.

"Through hard work, he has developed really cool skills that he can use to help earn money for his family. Thank you for showing him a pathway with which he can help other Samoans too using his skills."

The workshops are organised by the Bike Samoa Federation which is the governing body for the sport of cycling in Samoa. Vice-President Darren Young said that encouraging cycling for all ages is a key goal of their organisation.  

"For better fitness and health, for transport, a way to get around that's good for the environment, and just because it's fun," explained Young.

"And teaching how to look after a bike is a big part of it. Lots of times when people get a bike they're excited to ride but when it gets a flat tyre or something breaks, then that's the end of it. We are thankful for Outdoor Samoa Company that they can volunteer to help teach people these important skills."