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National | Cancer

'Uso Bike Ride' to raise awareness for cancer

Hawke's Bay will be the venue for the 'Uso Bike Ride', where cyclists take to the road to raise awareness of cancer among Māori and Pacific Island people.

Those involved will travel from Fielding to Hastings this Wednesday February 18. After that they will then head to Taupō.

Bike Ride project leader Talalelei Taufale says, “Ordinarily you do not see many Pacific Island and Maori cyclists...“It's to raise awareness of cancer, the importance of having health checks and the benefits of cycling in general.”

it's not the first time the group has been on a lengthy cycling adventure. Four years ago, 16 of them did the trip from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Uso means brother in Samoan.

“It’s about brothers united to improve the cycle of life for Pacifica and Maori people,” Taufale adds.

He says many Maori and Pacifica don't use cancer-related services due to cultural and structural barriers. This is what motivated the group and now they hope to convince more people to get help.

The ride, supported by the NZ Cancer Society, started on February 11, and arrives in Flaxmere on Friday, February 19.