A Port Kembla mum, now living with her family in the Torres Strait, has sent thanks to the generous people of the Illawarra who contributed to her 'Bike Revolution' project.

Late last year, mother-of-two Sarah Tedder launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the freight cost of delivering bicycles to the Thursday Island community (around 800km north of Cairns).

Earlier this month 100 bikes were delivered to the island and a big community celebration was held to herald the project's success.

Sarah said the campaign, which was strongly supported by people she knows from the Illawarra, raised just over $20,000 and that released in-kind support from Ports North, which agreed to purchase 25 bicycles if the freight cost could be raised.

"Additionally, Sea Swift, the freight company for the sea-based portion of the journey, through their community freight subsidy, reduced their commercial rate by 50 per cent, and the Cybec Foundation, a philanthropic organisation, generously funded the majority of the project," Sarah said.

"All up, the project totalled around $100,000 in financial and in-kind support, plus the work of volunteers.

"The 100 bicycles and accessories, including 50 baskets, 30 baby seats, and replacement parts, tools and equipment was supplied by '99 Bikes' who also generously contributed to the project."

Big logistical exercise

Sarah said there was great excitement on Thursday Island when the 20-foot shipping container arrived. It was an incredible logistical exercise getting those bikes to their new home.

"Everything was packed into the shipping container in Melbourne before travelling via truck and train to Brisbane, and then another train to Cairns, then truck to the port before being loaded onto the barge destined for Waibene/Thursday Island."

The container arrived at the start of June. Inside, the bicycles were packed in 100 boxes, partly built.

"From the 9th of June the boxes were transported to the boat club where a team of volunteers unboxed, unwrapped, built, tuned, tested and re-tuned the new bikes with the support of Jon from Adelaide Bike Kitchen and Dave from 99 Bikes," Sarah said.

"Unbelievably all the bicycles were built and accessorised in just two days. The new bike owners were then invited to a bike induction where we went over some information to get them started and they had their first test ride.

"Many of the riders said they hadn't ridden since they were children, but everyone managed to get going very quickly."

Bike blessing event

On Saturday, 14 June there was a bike blessing and Ride Revolution launch event where Sarah spoke together with the Mayor of Torres Shire Council Elsie Seriat OAM followed by the blessing by Pastor Stan Bib Doraho.

"Participants then rode their bicycles home together in a literal and metaphorical launch of the Ride Revolution on the ground."

Sarah said local community members were encouraged to apply for a bicycle and applications were ranked according to priority criteria such as access to a private car, usual transport options, use of taxis and walking, and age and number of children.

"Those who received a bike have been enthusiastic, with many using their bikes to travel to work, school supermarket, etc," Sarah said.

"It's clear from the number of bicycles observed around town that people are embracing their bicycles as a practical way to travel, and around 70 per cent of bicycles at the primary school bike rack are identified as being from the project.

"Our priority now is to ensure there is local capacity to maintain and repair the bicycles, through not only the individual riders, but more importantly through equipping a local individual or organisation with the skills and resources to run a local bike hub and repair centre."

Thank you Illawarra!

"To those in the Illawarra that heard of the story and chose to support this project, we thank you," Sarah said.

"There are mothers, fathers, caregivers. Community leaders, and children able to access education, work, and everything else, affordably and enjoyably because of you generosity."

Ride Revolution wishes to acknowledge their supporters who made this project happen: Cybec Foundation, 99 Bikes, Ports North, Sea Swift, Coral Sea Concrete, CEQ, Island Stars Cafe, Makai Cafe, Adelaide Bike Kitchen and the 201 individuals that supported the Ride Revolution campaign.