News

Re~Cycle Rocks!

August 25, 2023
17 August 2023 – We are thrilled to announce that that we have received an incredible donation from our friends at Re-Cycle – an entire container load of second-hand bicycles! These wheels of change are set to make a huge impact in the Western Cape, providing non-motorized transportation to those who need it most.
A special shout-out of gratitude to our amazing partners at Re-Cycle UK, whose generosity and dedication are transforming lives one pedal at a time. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make this possible. Your commitment to our mission is truly inspiring! 🙏
With these bicycles, we’re not just providing a means of transport – we’re empowering individuals, families, and communities. Together, we’re fostering independence, promoting sustainable living, and creating a brighter future for all.
Stay tuned as we embark on this incredible journey of change and empowerment. Let’s pedal towards a better, greener, and more connected Western Cape!

Empowering People with Bicycle Mechanic Skills

August 25, 2023
25 August 2023 – We’re delighted to share some amazing updates from our community! Join us in celebrating the journeys of two incredible individuals who are embarking on a new chapter of their lives.
👨‍🔧 Pieter De Kock, a true inspiration, is taking on the challenge of an Advanced Bicycle Mechanics Course here at BEN. After his dedicated service in the Defense Force, Pieter is now dedicating his time to learn and enhance his bicycle mechanics skills. What a fantastic way to stay active and engaged post-retirement! 🎉
🛠️ Renaldo Brown’s dream is coming to life as he joins the Advanced Bicycle Mechanics Course. His goal? To bring his passion for bicycles and his community together. With a heart set on servicing bicycles for the people of Kraaifontein, Renaldo is stepping up to make a difference right where it matters.
A huge shoutout to our experienced instructors, Jimmy James & Jason, who will be guiding Pieter and Renaldo through this enriching 3-week journey. Your expertise and support are invaluable in shaping the future of these aspiring bicycle mechanics.
Let’s show our support and encouragement to Pieter and Renaldo as they take on this exciting challenge! 🙌 Drop your well wishes and words of encouragement below, and let’s cheer them on every step of the way. Together, we’re cycling towards a brighter, more empowered community!

Booster Fund showcase in Langa

August 25, 2023
14 July 2023 – We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent event at IKhaya Le Langa, where we had the honor of showcasing the remarkable growth and development of our small business community partners Langa Bicycle Hub, IKhaya Le Langa, Tembile Kulati and Cloudy Deliveries. This momentous occasion was made possible through the generous support of the Western Cape Government’s SMME Booster Fund.
We were deeply honored to have Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Mireille Wenger from the Western Cape Department of Economic Opportunities and Tourism join us at this event. Their presence underscored the importance and recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that drive our small businesses community partners forward.
At the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), we believe in the power of collaboration and community empowerment. Through the SMME Booster Fund, we have been able to provide vital resources and opportunities for small businesses, enabling them to thrive and contribute to the economic growth of the Western Cape.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Premier Alan Winde, MEC Mireille Wenger, and the Western Cape Government for their unwavering support and belief in the potential of small businesses. Through their partnership, we have been able to uplift and empower our community partners, fostering a culture of growth and prosperity.
Special thanks to Tony & his team for allowing us to host our event that IKhaya Le Langa!

New Bishops Lavis BEC hosts Bicycle Mechanics Workshop

June 6, 2023

6 June 2023 – Today we are in Bishops Lavis for an exclusive Advanced Mechanical training workshop with our SMME partners from the northern suburbs!

This workshop is all about empowering our community and taking our cycling passion to new heights!
We’re thrilled to have our SMME partners joining us for this special event. Together, we’ll create a supportive network and foster lasting connections.

World Bicycle Day 2023

June 6, 2023
3rd June 2023 – Despite the stormy weather, the Langa 100 Years Celebration on World Bicycle Day was a resounding success!
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined the festivities today, braving the elements and showing their unwavering support for this momentous occasion. Your enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring!
While the planned bike ride from Cape Town to Langa unfortunately couldn’t take place due to the bad weather, it didn’t dampen the spirits. The opening ceremony at the Langa Sports Complex was filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of community.
We extend our deepest appreciation to the Langa Bicycle Hub, Langa Centenary, and Avalanche Bicycle Company for their incredible efforts in organizing this unforgettable event. Your commitment to empowering communities through cycling is truly commendable! 🚲
A special thank you goes out to the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works PSTP (Bike4All) initiative, Pedal Power Association Cool Kid on a Bike program (Toyota SA), Stay Wider of the Rider Bike4All and Dragons Sports for their generous donation of 40 bicycles to the Langa township. This contribution will have a lasting impact on the community and promote sustainable transportation.
We’re grateful to MEC Ricardo Mackenzie Minister of Mobility in Cape Town for their support and involvement in this celebration. Your dedication to promoting active mobility and community engagement is truly inspiring!
Today’s celebration serves as a reminder of the incredible power of community and the positive impact that cycling can have on individuals and neighbourhoods. Let’s continue to ride together, creating a healthier, more connected, and sustainable future!

Bicycle Mechanic training empowers

June 6, 2023
What an incredible day of learning and empowerment at the Advanced Bicycle Mechanics Course held at Velokhaya/The Life Cycling Academy in Khayelitsha on May 25th, 2023! 🚲🔧
Under the expert guidance of Jimmy James Communities Wellness Solutions, our Bicycling Empowerment Center maestro, participants dived deep into the fascinating world of advanced bicycle mechanics. The course was a resounding success, with attendees gaining invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience in:
✅ Advanced bike maintenance techniques
✅ Troubleshooting and repairs
✅ Wheel building and truing
✅ Gear and brake adjustments
✅ Suspension systems and more!
The passion and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved were truly inspiring.   It was amazing to witness the cycling community come together to enhance their skills and elevate their understanding of bicycle mechanics.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism: Western Cape for their support in making this program possible.  Together, we are fostering a culture of skill development and empowerment within the cycling community.
A special thank you goes to Velokhaya for providing the perfect venue for this enriching event. Your dedication to promoting cycling and empowering individuals is commendable.
Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep pushing the boundaries of your cycling expertise! Together, we will continue to empower ourselves and others in the cycling world.
Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities from the Bicycling Empowerment Network. Let’s keep pedaling towards a brighter and more empowered cycling community!

Empowering community in Ocean View

June 6, 2023

We had an AMAZING time on 9th May 2023 hosting an Advanced Bicycle Mechanic course in Ocean View, made possible through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism: Western Cape project. It was wonderful to see so many skilled bicycle mechanics from the area come together to learn and share their knowledge. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success. Special shout out of thanks to our BEC James Esterhuizen and Mastoera Communities Wellness Solutions. Together, we can continue to empower our community through cycling!

Re-Cycle to the rescue once again!

June 6, 2023

28 April 2023 –  We’re thrilled to announce that our container load of used bicycles from Re~Cycle in UK has finally arrived!

Thanks to this dynamic partnership, we can empower more people in South Africa to access non-motorized transportation and all the benefits that come with it.

With each bicycle we receive, we’re able to help someone save money on transportation, improve their health and well-being, and reduce their carbon footprint. We’re proud to play a part in creating a more sustainable future for all.
Thank you Re-Cycle UK & all your donors and volunteers for making this possible, and to our dedicated team at BEN for making sure these bikes find a new home. Let’s keep pedaling forward!

Cool Kid on a Bike Re-Launch

March 1, 2023

1 March 2023 – Today, Bicycling Empowerment Network and Pedal Power Association re-launched our “Cool Kid on a Bike” programme at Ukanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele! We were honoured to have CEO of PPA Neil Robinson and Ukhanyo Principal Michael Tyhali welcome us, as well as Premier Alan Winde and Ricardo Mackenzie – new MEC of the Western Cape’s Mobility Department who stressed the importance of road safety when cycling. The highlight of the event was a presentation by Lukholo Badi to grade 4 learners, educating them about safe cycling practices. We were also delighted to have Mr. Ismail Teladia from WCED and Mr. Vince van der Bijl from MasiSports speak about the benefits of cycling and how the “Cool Kid on a Bike” programme can help kids stay active and healthy. We thank everyone who joined us today and especially the kids who showed their enthusiasm for cycling! 🎉🎉 We look forward to empowering more kids to ride safely and responsibly.

Belhar Ext 7 NHW combating crime

February 17, 2023

Great news everyone! We are thrilled to share that the Belhar Ext 7 Neighbourhood Watch patrollers have been doing an amazing job keeping their community safe over the past few months, thanks to the bicycles they received as part of the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme!

Since receiving the bikes in partnership with the Western Province Transport and Public Works Department, Pedal Power Association, the patrollers have been able to cover more ground and respond more efficiently to incidents in their community.

Their success can be seen in the significant reduction of crime in the area. The patrollers have been instrumental in identifying suspicious behavior and preventing potential incidents, resulting in a safer and more secure neighborhood for all.

We applaud the dedication and commitment of the Belhar Ext 7 Neighbourhood Watch patrollers, and we are proud to support their efforts in keeping their community safe.

Congratulations to the patrollers on their successful patrols, and a big thank you to the organizations involved in making this possible!

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