Many people think of bicycles in terms of sport or recreation; as a means to participate in road or off-road funrides, or simply to get fit and healthy. But the bicycle is the ideal vehicle for transportation, especially for short trips to the school, shop or work.

In January 2017, the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) combined forces to launch the “#Bike4All” programme. The programme has a strong, yet simple vision: Put more people on bicycles.

After much research, PPA and BEN launched the ‘#Bike4All’ bicycle. This is a robust, single-speed utility bicycle and comes with mud guards, a carrier and side stand.

“With the launch of the #Bike4All, PPA continues to deliver on its mandate to put more people on bicycles,” says PPA CEO Robert Vogel. “To date, we have been fortunate in that funding received from the Cape Town Cycle Tour allowed us to donate some 40 bicycles to schools and charities where these visible red-and-yellow bicycles will assist their new owners to get to school or work. Some 100 bicycles have also been bought by Pedals for Peace.”

Shortly after the launch of the #Bike4All programme, Qhubeka joined the initiative, matching the contribution from PPA and BEN with Qhubeka bicycles. The three organisations are united by their efforts to promote bicycle use in South Africa, working together to increase their impact and reach.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with BEN and Qhubeka, cementing the relationship and providing mobility and access to opportunities, through bicycles,” Vogel says.

• These sturdy bicycles can be bought for R2000 each from the Pedal Power Association and BEN. Please contact the Pedal Power Association on (021) 671-6340 / jannis@pedalpower.org.za for more information.