The Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) was launched in Cape Town on 7 February 2002. BEN promotes the use of bicycles in order to address low-cost mobility, health and access to opportunity, employment, skills and education. In collaboration with both national and international development/ donor agencies, the project facilitates the transportation of bicycles from Europe, Great Britain and the United States to South Africa, the establishment of bicycle workshop projects and the introduction of bicycle user paths/ networks. To ensure the success of the project, BEN has established partnerships with the Netherlands based Interface for Cycling Expertise (I-CE) and the Shova Kalula (Pedal Easy) project of the South African National Department of Transport (NDoT), and the cities of Cape Town, Tshwane and Johannesburg. BEN is a national program based in Cape Town which works closely with partners from around Africa and through the African Bicycle Network, to learn from partners and share best practice.

MAIN MISSION

The main mission of the Bicycling Empowerment Network is one of poverty alleviation through the promotion of environmentally sustainable transport via the bicycle so as to enhance low-cost, non-motorised, transport and improve health through linking exercise and mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the project will promote integrated transport solutions with other motorised and non-motorised options.

1. Import of bikes and establishment of Bicycle Empowerment Centres (BEC's)

The main aim of BEN is to address poverty alleviation and facilitate the accessing of opportunities through delivery of bicycles, imparting of skills and creation of employment. Low cost new and used bikes are imported from China and Europe respectively and Bicycle containerised workshops are set up in different areas where there is a great need for reliable but cost-effective transport. These are then stocked with these bikes, and tools, and the project commences with the training of the project team, preferably those from previously disadvantaged sectors. The team facilitates the operation of the project in its entirety, from setting up and running of the training courses, servicing of the bicycles and working together with schools, NGO's and health care groups to address the transport needs of both learners and teachers. The team members also visit other local projects such as community centres, sports facilities and places of employment where information about the program can be disseminated.

2. Lobbying and Advocacy for safe bike path networks

Working towards the implementation of bike lanes and paths and secure bike facilities is done in collaboration with the NDoT through municipality substructures. This process is helped largely through the input of many BEN Board members. As a result of these efforts, various South African cities have indicated a commitment to re-examine the Bicycle Master Plans for bike paths in preparation for FIFA 2010, to be hosted by South Africa. The partnership with I-CE through their Bicycle Partnership Program assists this program.

3. Training and distribution in Schools, Corporate organisations and NGO's

Training and distribution programs are conducted with many pilot schools and NGO's around the Cape and with a specific focus on the disadvantaged and their particular transport needs. A safe route's to school and work program is run in conjunction with the supply of new and second hand low cost bikes. The training ranges from one day to two-week programs. Survey forms are completed by the delegates to better determine their travel patterns and routes; the results of these surveys are fed back to the city authorities to help them better plan their traffic management and road planning. Included in this program is the project for healthcare workers in the townships and rural areas, whereby healthcare workers are mobilized with bicycles, training and back-up support to address their transportation needs.

4. Poverty Alleviation

The overall objective of poverty alleviation is built into each of the above projects. Low Cost Mobility for unemployed adults and youth targets groups of economically disadvantaged and is about facilitating availability of affordable means of transport to enable the groups access more opportunities for economic advancement and poverty alleviation. Training and job creation initiatives teach individuals to think creatively about jobs and entrepreneurial projects, linking the many uses of the bicycle to income generation activities. The project on bike lanes facilitates safe routes to schools/ work and also aims at facilitating safety of school children, pedestrians and commuters in general. The most affected by the lack of safety are the children of the poor who cannot afford own transport or public bus and have either to walk or cycle to school.

BUDGET

Qty of BEC (container) Projects	1	2	1	2
Description	Rand	Rand	Euro	Euro
			11.35	11.35
Cost of Container (6m)	13 000	26 000	1 145	2 291
Refurbishment of Container (window & door)	3 000	6 000	264	529
Transport of container to suitable site	5 000	10 000	441	881
Bicycle mechanical and safety training	4 000	8 000	352	705
Business Skills Training	2 000	4 000	176	352
Start up tools	10 000	20 000	881	1 762
Start up spares to be able to repair bicycles	2 000	4 000	176	352
Strart up bicycles ,10 per container	5 000	10 000	441	881
Travel cost to identify suitable manager & site	2 000	4 000	176	352
Management fee ( reporting and assessing)	10 000	20 000	881	1 762
TOTAL	56 000	112 000	4 934	9 868