Western Cape government donates bicycles to promote sustainable mobility

Western Cape MEC of Mobility Isaac Sileku handed over 44 bicycles to community organisations in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, in a move aimed at improving sustainable transport across the province.

The event, held on Saturday, October 25, formed part of the provincial sustainable transport programme (PSTP), a department’s initiative focused on empowering communities through the bicycle distribution.

Since its launch in 2019, the department said the programme had distributed more than 2 500 bicycles to learners, neighbourhood watches, and community-based organisations across the province, along with safety training and basic maintenance support.

“These bicycles will go a long way in strengthening community safety, promoting wellness, and creating opportunities,” said MEC Sileku.

Jan Scannell, director of Prochorus Community Development NPC, said: “In our own project, we have seen how cycling keeps young people active, gives them purpose, and opens new opportunities even in areas like tourism. I hope more communities will start similar initiatives. Getting kids and people on bikes truly changes lives.”

The bicycles were distributed to local organisations, including Idas Valley Community Trails, Angels of Hope Community Development Organisation, Methodist Church of South Africa, Hillside Village Neighbourhood Watch, among others.

“We are grateful to be part of this project and to receive these bicycles. They will make it so much easier for us to carry out our community programmes and reach more people who need support," said Ms Sandra Daniels, representative of the Angels of Hope Community Development Organisation.