Category: Bicycle Mechanic Training

Empowering is our Game!

February 21, 2024

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.

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.

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!

Navy rewards Gary with Bicycle Mechanic Course

February 14, 2023

February 2023 – Congrats Gary! Your hard work and dedication in the Navy have earned you a well-deserved reward. Now, you’ll be able to keep the wheels turning with your newfound bicycle mechanic skills from the 3-week course at the Bicycling Empowerment Network. Pedal to the metal! 🚲🔧 #RetirementGoals #BicycleMechanic #BicyclingEmpowermentNetwork

Basic Skills Workshop

February 14, 2023

3rd February 2023 – The Basic Skills Workshop organised by Bicycling Empowerment Network was a resounding success, attracting a diverse group of community partners from the cycling community. The workshop covered a range of topics, including business skills, social media marketing, safe cycling practices, and hands-on bicycle mechanical training. The business sessions were especially impactful, with participants gaining valuable insights into creating and growing sustainable cycling enterprises. The social media training provided attendees with the skills they need to effectively promote their businesses online. Meanwhile, the safe cycling sessions emphasised the importance of proper road etiquette, protective gear, and bike maintenance, ensuring that everyone who attended had the knowledge they need to cycle safely. Finally, the hands-on bicycle mechanical training allowed participants to put their newly acquired skills into practice, leaving them confident in their ability to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance. All in all, the Basic Skills Workshop was a huge success, with participants leaving feeling empowered, informed, and motivated to take their cycling businesses and passion to the next level.

Safety / Basic Mechanical training in Barkly West

September 15, 2022

On 15 – 19th August 2022 our Bike-4-All team spent a few days conducting safe cycling training, preparing future young riders for a lifetime of safe cycling!! This in support of a Qhubeka Charity bicycle distribution initiative in Barkly West – Northern Cape. Over 300 enthusiastic learners have been trained in safe cycling and basic bike maintenance before receiving their new steeds.

BEN – EMPOWERING WOMAN!

August 11, 2022
It’s Women’s Month and BEN is offering free maintenance and mechanic training to women and girls in August. We will tailor training to your needs – ranging from basic maintenance aimed at keeping you on the road to more specialized mechanic training. Places are limited, so please get in touch on info@benbikes.org.za so we can design your training experience and start to build those skills!!
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