On Bike Works – BEC Meshack Nchupetsang in Westlake

Business

Business: Bicycle repairs/service specialist/bicycle & spares sales/On Bike Tours/On Bike Shop & Fisheries/Airtime & Data

Open: All week – Monday – Friday (Saturday 9am – 5pm)

Time: 9am – 7pm

Place: Cnr of Westlake drive & Lynx Way, Westlake

Description: Bicycle repairs & spares sales. Shop to grab a bite and drink while waiting.

Blog

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!

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

BEN IS 21!

February 14, 2023

09 February 2023 – Celebrating 21 years of empowering people through bicycles ! The Bicycling Empowerment Network has been promoting the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation for over two decades now. We’re proud to have been a part of this movement and look forward to continuing our mission of making the world a greener, healthier, and happier place. #BicyclingEmpowermentNetwork #BikingForChange #21YearsStrong #BicyclesEmpower

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.

Re-Cycle UK Partnership ROCKS!

November 4, 2022

20 October 2022 – We were overjoyed to receive, yet again, another container load of 2nd hand donated bikes from Re~Cycle. The provision of a bicycle to a household in South Africa not only eases the mobility of school children, it also empowers the household with a tool for development that they can use to create income generation. Positive vibes for health, wealth and education. Bicycles improve access to farms, markets, jobs, schools and healthcare. It is significantly impacting on the lives of individuals. THANK YOU Re~Cycle for a fantastic partnership!!!!! #changinglives #bicycle #nonmotorisedtransport #transforminglives #positivechange #positiveimpact #bicyclereuse

Cally reaches Kilimanjaro!

September 15, 2022

21 August 2022 – She did it! We would like to salute Cally Silberbauer who has just reached Kilimanjaro after setting off solo from Cape Town in 21 March. She is riding to raise awareness and funds to fight the scourge of gender-based violence.

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!!

Rosedale NHW gets 10 bicycles

July 27, 2022

21 July 2022 – Rosedale Neighborhood Watch in Eerste Rivier received much needed bicycles as part of the Western Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme’s (PSTP) Bicycle Distribution Project. This should significantly boost community safety initiatives in the area!! Our founder, Louis was on hand to help with the handover… Thanks to our partners Pedal Power Association Qhubeka Charity Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works Bike4All

TESTIMONIALS

‘When I started cycling it was just a bike, when I started cycling with the school it was a whole different thing. I didn't know about wearing a helmet, I did not know the road rules. I used to talk a lot in class because I did not know what was going on. Now I give the answers. You have to focus on the road, now I can focus in the classroom.’

Learner, Lavender Hill High School

“I had a bike and used to cycle every day until it was stolen. For months I had no income. Times were very hard. BEN gave me a bike and now I am able to use the bike to go out there and look for work again."

Bernadette,

“I am involved with different nature conservation community projects. I normally rely on a taxi or lifts to get me where I need to go. It is expensive and I have to often walk far distances. The bicycle I received from BEN has helped me carry out my work in the community."

Nathan,

I have been trying to better myself, cycling keeps me away from alcohol and gives me motivation to improve my life. I have given up smoking since I started cycling and have even entered myself into my first race

Marius,

‘It helps that children now arrive easily to school. BEN's training was also responsible for the kids being able to repair and maintain their bikes themselves.'

Rural School, headmaster

“My bicycle is very special to me, because it was my reward for doing well at school, something I take very seriously. Looking at my bike reminds me to always work hard to make a success of my life.“

Zareen Ludick, 15 years olD - Plettenberg Bay

“You cannot lie when you’re on bicycle, it will always tell you the truth.”

Fagodien Campher, Lavender Hill BEC owner

“The bicycle has taught me how to live a simple life”

Meshack Nchupetsang, Westlake BEC owner