Cycling development in Samoa was boosted this week with the donation of 25 renewed mountain bikes from the Outdoor Samoa Tour company.

The bikes will be used by the Bike Samoa Federation in their ongoing community programmes where people of all ages can learn how to cycle and how to repair and maintain bikes.

Outdoor Samoa is owned by Cycle Journeys New Zealand. An official handover of bikes to BSF was held early Tuesday morning at Mulinu'u with the visiting owner Geoff Gabites, CEO Greg Cayford and Manager Peter Sexton.

Samoa's leading female cyclist Urlin Mulitalo thanked the company on behalf of the athletes.

Mr Gabites praised the athletes' commitment to training.

"Seeing you teenagers here cycling this early in the morning, happy and smiling, starting your day getting your exercise - is amazing! Brilliant effort. You're the best. We are delighted to be able to support you and this program," he said.

Bike Samoa Federation is assigning 10 bikes to Le Amosa School for their students to use as they continue to participate in cycling activities.

The remainder will be used in the BSF community cycling programme. This includes the BSF 'Tamaitai Toa' initiative which aims to encourage more Samoan women to ride a bicycle through safe and supportive sessions taught by other women.

The idea for the donation came when the Outdoor Samoa Manager saw a Tamaitai Toa session where 12 women were taking turns riding one of four bikes. Mr Sexton is himself a keen cyclist who has participated in BSF events, including the cycling National Champs earlier this year.

"We had some bikes that were due to be retired from hiring out.  All still in good condition and so we wanted to see the bikes continue to be used, and to support any learn to ride programs in Samoa," explained Mr Sexton.

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

The BSF Executive Board said that the donation is much-needed and will greatly assist in the development of cycling in Samoa.  

"We get zero help of any kind from either Oceania Cycling or the world cycling body UCI," said Vice President Darren Young.

"We fund all the community programmes from our pocket and through the generosity of family and friends. To have a company like Outdoor Samoa donate so many bikes is really appreciated. It's encouragement for us also to keep going with our efforts."