Item 0283 - Bicycle designed by Mr. Graham Hunt

• 1982-06-08 (Creation)

A school in Perth, capital of the state of Western Australia, stands to receive substantial royalties from sales of a new BMX (off-road racing) bicycle which was to be manufactured in in the People's Republic of China, for export. Students from Wanneroo High School will earn the royalties by building the prototype in their metalwork classes from a design by Perth businessman Mr. Graham Hunt. Mr Hunt has formed a joint venture company, Aust-Paoyi, with Paoting City Hebei Province, China for manufacture of the bike. It differs from the standard stiff frame BMX by incorporating front and rear wheel suspension to give a smoother ride. Mr Hunt said that the initial production target would probably be 15 million bikes over 5 years starting in September. The school will get SA 1 for each bike sold. The project, supported by the State Department of Education, was primarily aimed at involving students with industry before they left school to join the work-force. The royalties will go into a school trust fund administered by the school council.

Mr. Hunt second from left, and Wanneroo High School Headmaster, Mr. Glynn Watkins, right with the new BMX. With them are students Robert Paulsen, center and Mr. Hunt's Twin Sons, Tom and Tony who helped build the prototype.

• The Times of Ceylon Press (Creator)