South African Mountain Bike Race Supports Cycling in Communities

Posted: 01 Jun 2005

Related to: Promoting Cycling in Africa, Planning & Advocacy for Cycling & Walking, South Africa
Contributed by: Bradley Schroeder, ITDP

The Cape Epic, South Africa’s largest mountain bike race, teamed with the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), ITDP’s main project partner in Cape Town, to support cycling in the eight communities along its route. Through the generosity of the Cape Epic and their corporate sponsors, BEN donated 60 California Bikes to students who won academic competitions. BEN also conducted workshops that encouraged cycling and taught children bicycle safety and maintenance.

BEN and the Cape Epic have also worked together for the past two years to distribute bicycles to disadvantaged youth and to sponsor African competitive cyclists in world class events.