Abstract: A paper feed device of the invention comprises a transport gear connected in coaxial relationship to a transport roller interposed in a paper transporting route, a change-over arm which is rocked within a predetermined fixed range when the direction of rotation of a bidirectionally rotatable platen is reversed, and an idler gear mounted at a rocking free end of the change-over arm and connected to be normally rotated by power transmitted from the platen. The idler gear is selectively meshed with the transport gear in response to a rocking motion of the change-over arm, whereby a turning force of the platen is transmitted to the transport roller to transport paper only when the platen is rotated in one direction. Such a manner of transmission of rotation is attained without the necessity of a one-way clutch.