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Freedom Day

Freedom Day was fantastic with a series of inspiring events and activities in our beautiful city!
Kicking off the celebrations was the Safe Cycling Awareness Cycle organized by Pedal Power Association, where cyclists from all walks of life came together to promote safe cycling practices. It was a joyous ride as we pedaled our way through the streets of Cape Town, spreading the message of unity and freedom on two wheels!
Our journey led us to Langa, where we had the privilege of showcasing the incredible work being done at Langa Bicycle Hub. This hub serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the community, providing access to bicycles and cycling-related opportunities for all. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us on this ride and helped shine a spotlight on this vital initiative!
But the celebrations didn’t stop there! At Langa Bicycle Hub, Espresso Productions took center stage, preparing to showcase the Entrepreneur Business Development program funded by the Industrial Development Corporation in partnership with us at BEN. This will be broadcasted on World Bicycle Day on 3rd June 2024. This program is all about equipping individuals like Mzikhona and Akona with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the world of business. It’s truly heartwarming to see the impact of this partnership and the opportunities it’s creating for aspiring entrepreneurs in our communities.
As we reflect on the significance of Freedom Day, let’s remember that true freedom is not just about the absence of oppression, but also about the presence of opportunities and empowerment for all. Together, let’s continue to strive for a future where every individual has the chance to pursue their dreams and build a better tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the day’s events and helped make it a day to remember! Let’s keep the spirit of freedom alive each and every day as we work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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Langa Bicycle Hub and 6 others

Mechanical training in the House

We’re thrilled to announce the incredible achievement of Robert and Werner from Cycle Baron!
Robert has just completed an Advanced Bicycle Mechanical Training Course, while Werner excelled in the Basic Bicycle Mechanics Course, both held right here at Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN).
Huge congratulations to Robert and Werner for their dedication to honing their skills and knowledge in the world of bicycles! Your commitment to learning and growing in your craft is truly inspiring.
A special shoutout to Werner van Rooyen for enrolling these talented individuals in the course. Your support and investment in their development are invaluable!
Cycle Baron, recently opened and located at 39 Buitekant Street, Yzerfontein, is lucky to have such skilled and passionate individuals leading the way. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and experience their expertise firsthand!
Here’s to many more successes and milestones ahead for Robert, Werner, and Cycle Baron!

Making the NEWS!

We’re thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent Bike Day in George, featured on SA News!
Last Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, was a day filled with joy, empowerment, and celebration as we came together to promote cycling and community engagement. With the support of amazing partners like Western Cape Government, Pedal Power Association, George Municipality and Garden Route District Municipality, we made magic happen!
We had the privilege of handing over 60 bikes to 11 organisations, including neighbourhood watches, bicycle couriers, cycling clubs, and tourism organisations. But the fun didn’t stop there – our event was packed with mechanical training, safety workshops, and incredible performances by skilled cyclist Dylan Victor, who kept the crowds entertained with his amazing tricks and maneuvers!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day a resounding success, including Ministers Ricardo Mackenzie and Reagan Allen, whose presence added to the excitement.
Let’s keep pedaling forward together, creating safer streets and stronger communities one bike at a time!

George Bike Day!

2nd March 2024 – What an incredible day of cycling empowerment in George!
Thanks to a fantastic collaboration with Pedal Power Association, Western Cape Government, and Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme, along with the support of George Municipality and Garden Route District Municipality, we were able to host a truly memorable event.
We had the pleasure of handing over 60 bikes to 11 organisations, including neighbourhood watches, bicycle couriers, cycling clubs, and tourism organisations. It was heartwarming to see the joy and excitement on everyone’s faces as they received their new wheels!
But the fun didn’t stop there – our day was packed with mechanical training, safety workshops, and support from local vendors in Pacaltsdorp. A huge shoutout to the incredible Dylan Victor, our bicycle skills guru and MC for the event, for keeping the energy high throughout the day.
We were truly honored to have Provincial Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, and Provincial Minister of Community Safety and Police, Reagan Allen, grace us with their presence. Their support means the world to us as we work towards creating safer and more accessible cycling communities.
Special thanks to Luvo Bomvana and Shelly Anne for going above and beyond to make our event a success at the George Junior Traffic premises.
Here’s to many more days of pedaling towards empowerment and inclusion!

Tax Time Triumphs

Hey BENefactor’s!
Are you ready to ride into the sunset of this tax year with style? We’ve got a proposition for you that’s smoother than a freshly paved bike lane: donate to Bicycling Empowerment Network and not only will you fuel our mission to spread the joy and empowerment of cycling, but you’ll also get yourself a shiny 18A tax certificate!
Picture this: cruising through the streets, wind in your hair, knowing you’ve not only helped the planet but also your tax return! It’s a win-win!
So, let’s kick those pedals into high gear and show some love to BEN before the tax year comes to a screeching halt! Donate now and ride into financial freedom!

12 Scholars roll into a brighter future with Bicycles!

1 February 2024 – We’re thrilled to share some incredible news from Raithby primary school in Stellenbosch Rural! Thanks to our collaborative efforts with the Western Cape Government Mobility Department & Pedal Power Association, on the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme, 12 bright scholars now have their very own bicycles!
Imagine the joy and excitement as these young minds pedal into a world of endless possibilities! Access to non-motorised transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to B – it’s about opening doors to education, health, and a future filled with opportunities.
These bicycles represent more than just wheels; they’re symbols of empowerment and freedom for these scholars. With each turn of the pedal, they’re not just riding bikes; they’re riding towards a brighter, more sustainable future!
A huge shoutout to everyone involved in making this dream a reality! Your commitment to providing access to non-motorized transportation is paving the way for these scholars to reach new heights. Let’s celebrate this milestone and continue to support initiatives that empower our youth through the gift of mobility! Together, we’re building a community where every child has the tools they need to thrive.

What a way to end the 2023 School Year!

16 November 2024 –  14 Bicycles Bring a Wave of Joy to Vlottenburg primary school!

We’re over the moon to share the incredible news that, thanks to the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme, Vlottenberg Primary School has received14 bicycles through our partnership with the Western Cape Mobility Department and Pedal Power Association!
These bikes aren’t just a mode of transportation; they’re a ticket to a brighter, safer, and more connected future for the scholars at Vlottenburg Primary. With exams on the horizon, this timely initiative ensures that our young minds are uplifted and empowered with a reliable means of getting to school, paving the way for success!
A huge round of applause to the Western Cape Government (Western Cape Mobility Department), Pedal Power Association, Bike4All and all involved for championing the cause of sustainable transport and making a tangible difference in the lives of these scholars. Your commitment to the safety and well-being of our community’s future leaders is truly commendable.
Let’s celebrate the joy of learning, the power of partnership, and the freedom that bicycles bring! Together, we’re creating pathways for success and building a foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

Re~Cycle Container

16 November 2024 –  Thanks to the generous support of our valued partners at Re-Cycle UK, we’ve just received a container load of used bicycles that will make a world of difference in the communities of Cape Town!

A huge shout-out and heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing donors, dedicated volunteers, and the fantastic team at Re-Cycle for making this collaboration possible. Your contributions have truly fueled the wheels of change, and together, we’re on a journey to transform lives through the power of bicycles.
This partnership is not just about bikes; it’s about empowerment, connectivity, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive. The impact of these bicycles extends far beyond transportation—they represent freedom, access to education, and improved livelihoods.
With the help of our incredible partners on the ground in Cape Town, these bicycles will be distributed to individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make a positive impact. Whether it’s students traveling to school, healthcare workers reaching remote areas, or entrepreneurs expanding their businesses, each pedal stroke propels us toward a brighter, more connected future.
A heartfelt thank you once again to everyone who played a role in making this happen.  Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of positive change—one bike at a time. Let’s keep the wheels turning and continue to empower communities through the gift of mobility!

Grabouw Bicycle Day!

28 October 2024 –http://www.tad.co.za/tad/

What an incredible day it was as we continued our mission of spreading the joy of cycling and mobility throughout Grabouw. We proudly handed over 80 bicycles, further expanding our impact.
Here’s how the latest bicycles were distributed:
50 bikes to Two a Day
15 bikes to Grow Strong
To mark this momentous occasion, we hosted an unforgettable Bike Day at the Trail’s End Bike Hotel in Grabouw. We were honored to have Fezile Mbambo, Director of Western Cape Land Transport Integration and Oversight join us for the festivities and handover.
A big shoutout to Theewaterskloof Municipality, Applewood School, Grabouw Academy, Timbers Klein Begin Community Project and everyone else present who made this day so exciting.
A massive thank you to Dylan Victor for his incredible bicycle skills demonstration, and to Mariska Strauss, the professional mountain biker, for her motivational speech that left us all inspired.
Special gratitude to Pieter & Brenda of the Trails End Bike Hotel for hosting the successful event, providing the perfect backdrop for our celebrations.
This initiative is part of the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme, run by The Western Cape Mobility Department Western Cape Government in partnership with ourselves & Pedal Power Association. Together, we are creating a more mobile, empowered, and sustainable future for Grabouw.

Empowering is our Game!

11 October 2023 – We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news with you today. Our latest trainee, Sting, has successfully completed his 1st bicycle service as part of our Bicycling Empowerment Network mechanical course!

What makes this even more remarkable is that Sting’s journey has been made possible through the incredible support of Brett, who is opening a new Bike Shop in Hout Bay and is empowering Sting with the skills he needs to succeed.
It’s incredible to witness individuals like Sting gaining the knowledge and expertise they need to pursue their passion, and it’s all thanks to Brett’s generosity and vision.
Join us in congratulating Sting on this remarkable achievement, and let’s give a big shout-out to Brett for his commitment to empowering others in the world of bicycles!
For more info on our bicycle mechanic courses, contact us on info@benbikes.org.za or call 021 7884174.

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