Domonique Benkenstein said she experienced the generosity of people in Gisborne during her son Sean's first week back at school.

She said her 11-year-old was on his way to school when he fell from his bike on Chessy Park Drive and was left dazed and shaken.

"A very busy mum, Tamara, from another school was kind enough to stop and offer assistance to my son, calling me on her mobile phone.

"She sat with him, comforting and reassuring him until I arrived. My son had a nasty gash under his chin which required stitches. In my need to get him to the medical centre quickly I attempted to hide his bike behind a bush [as] it was too big to fit into my car."

Ms Benkenstein said she returned 2? hours later to collect the bike and found it had gone.

"Perhaps I was far too naive to think it would be there on my return."

She said Tamara rang that night to inquire about Sean's health and was disappointed to learn the bike had been stolen.

"By lunchtime the day after, she had rallied a number of local businesses together who all chipped in to replace his bike.

"What a wonderful community we live in where people are willing to contribute to a new bike for a young boy who had a nasty fall and some rotten bad luck."

Ms Benkenstein said she was surprised and overwhelmed by the gesture.

"Sean had had a fall and then it was a double whammy when his bike was stolen, too."

She said her son was thrilled to get a new bike so quickly.

"His birthday is not until August, so he is very excited and he is back on his bike and riding to school. I've lived in Gisborne all my life. It's a great community to be a part of, but you still don't expect the generosity of people."

Ms Benkenstein thanked the businesses that contributed to the bike.