An Auckland man who had his life changed after he was gifted a bike is now paying it forward through a charity which equips kids with bikes and teaches them to ride safely.
Teau Aiturau, who goes by Mr T, first got on a bike after his body broke down a few years ago.
“I’ve got knee injuries, some diabetes going on, very obese – pretty much everything,” he told 1News.
But he found salvation on two wheels, especially when his doctor gave him one.
“Riding a bike was an easy exercise – it’s like getting that bike has changed my life.”
Mr T, who has been cycling for 10 years now, started putting together group rides, before moving on to a charitable trust.
He has three employees who specialise in taking donated broken bikes, fixing them, and then giving them away.
Mr T also visits schools across South Auckland, teaching kids to ride safety.
“I’m still struggling with my health but when I’m on a bike, I feel like I’m going to another space. It’s all about being free,” he said.
Watch how biking changed one man’s life in the video above.
