Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN)

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Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN)

www.benbikes.org.za The Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) South Africa was established in Cape Town in 2002.

At BEN, we believe in the bicycle as a large part of the solution to mobility and poverty alleviation. Through the creation of 17 Bicycling Empowerment Centre's and the distribution of some 20000+ new and used bikes, we are beginning to address job creation and access. Our training programs are ensuring that bike recipients are safe and in control of their bikes, mechanically and otherwise. BEN al

so assists the planning of events to help promote the use of the bicycle as a form of mobility - also known as active transport.

27/07/2026

At the end of last year, Bell Equipment South Africa hosted a golf day and the 2nd place winners very kindly donated their spoils of R15,000 to BEN.

They wanted the money to be used to train and up skill deserving individuals as bicycle mechanics for Blue Sky Cycling Academy. Blue Sky Cycling Academy is based in Zola, Strand, and focuses on uplifting boys and girls through cycling. The Cycling Academy generously topped up the donation and with that we were able to train two bicycle mechanics.

Meet Emang Thelejane (red shirt) and Tadiwanashe Jokonya (blue shirt) - these guys can make anything work. Real MacGyvers (even though they are far too young to even know who MacGyver 😊

A sincere thank you to Bell Equipment and Blue Sky for making this training happen!

*Bicycling Empowerment Network offers a variety of mechanical training courses from a one-day basic service and/ or assembly course, to an extensive 15-day course aimed at individuals who want to become qualified, capable bicycle mechanics. For more details, see our website: https://www.benbikes.org.za/training

30/03/2026

The Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) and Pedal Power Association collaborate closely on programmes that advance safe, inclusive, and accessible cycling for all. This role will support both brands, with a strong focus on community-centred mobility initiatives and the broader goal of enabling everyday cycling across diverse environments.

We are seeking a talented individual to support, design, implement, and grow programmes that expand safe, inclusive, and accessible everyday cycling for all, with a particular focus on underserved and mobility-constrained communities.

Applications close: 14 April 2026.

The Programme Manager must be a confident cyclist who understands the lived realities of cycling for transport and can translate that insight into credible programme delivery, training, and advocacy.

14/02/2026

is a joint initiative between the Pedal Power Association and BEN.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬, 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.

As a registered public benefit organisation (PBO), BEN issues Section 18A certificates, allowing donors to claim a tax deduction on their contribution.

Donate today and be part of real change before tax season closes, end of February.
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞: 👉https://www.benbikes.org.za/make-a-donation/
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟖𝐀 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞.

18/11/2025

This was a truly special day at BEN! We proudly received our 20,000th bicycle from Recycle!
This incredible milestone is a testament to the power of partnership and generosity. A massive thank you to Re~Cycle and every single bicycle donor who helped make this possible. Your contributions are changing lives and empowering communities in South Africa.
To mark the occasion, we celebrated with a very special cake. It was a sweet reminder of how far we've come and the journey ahead.

13/11/2025

What a ride! Idas Valley came alive in October with energy and community spirit during Bicycle Day. It was a vibrant celebration of sustainable transport and healthy living!
Hosted as part of the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), this event was proudly funded by the Western Cape Government's Department of Mobility and brought to life through the incredible partnership with the Pedal Power Association and the Bicycling Empowerment Network.
A major highlight of the day was the donation of 44 bicycles to local organisations committed to uplifting their communities through mobility. The recipients included:
• Idas Valley Community Project
• Prochorus Community Development NPC
• Hillside Village NHW
• Juffernbrughstr NHW
• Methodist Church of SA Wellington
• Angel of Hope
From fun rides to safety workshops and bike giveaways, the day was all about empowering residents, promoting active mobility, and making cycling accessible to all. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us — your enthusiasm keeps the wheels turning toward a greener, more connected future! 💚🚲
Let’s keep pedalling forward together!

25/09/2025

On Monday and Tuesday, our team - Jason and Zane - were on the road again delivering bicycles to two amazing community initiatives:

✅ 10 bicycles to Sonskyn Vallei Neighbourhood Watch in Mossel Bay 🚓🚴‍♂️
✅ 15 bicycles to Jose Borain at the Duiwenhoks Conservancy in Vermaaklikheid 🌿

These bicycles will support safer streets and stronger community patrols in Mossel Bay, while helping conservation efforts and community mobility in Vermaaklikheid. 💪🚲

All part of the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), funded by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Mobility, and delivered in joint partnership with Pedal Power Association and Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN).

Together, we’re creating safer, more connected, and more sustainable communities - one bicycle at a time.

05/09/2025

More Bicycles on the Move This Week!
Following our Caledon distributions, we were thrilled to hand over:
✅ 5 bicycles to Heideveld Secondary School on Wednesday
✅ 10 bicycles to the Zeekoevlei Sailing Club 🚤🚴
It was fantastic to see the Zeekoevlei Sailing Club members already enjoying their bicycles shortly after the handover – proving once again how quickly bicycles can change lives by providing fun, fitness, and freedom of mobility.

These distributions form part of the Western Cape Government Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), funded by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Mobility, and delivered in joint partnership with Pedal Power Association and Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN).

With every bicycle handed over, we’re building a healthier, more mobile, and more connected Western Cape.

27/08/2025

30 Bicycles for Caledon Scholars!

Yesterday was a truly special day in Caledon as we distributed:
✅ 10 bicycles to Swartberg Primary School
✅ 10 bicycles to The Glebe Primary School
✅ 10 bicycles to Boontjieskraal Primary School

It was a beautiful sunny day filled with smiles and excitement as learners received their new bikes.

We were honoured to have Minister Isaac Sileku join us at Boontjieskraal Primary School to celebrate this important milestone.

Through the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), funded by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Mobility, and delivered in joint partnership with BEN and Pedal Power Association, Caledon is now 30 bicycles richer – giving scholars the gift of safe, affordable, and sustainable transport to school and beyond.

15/08/2025

A big congratulations to Blue Sky Cycling Academy in Zola, Strand, on receiving two brand new bicycles through the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), funded by the Western Cape Government Mobility Department, in partnership with Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) and Pedal Power Association.
These bikes will be used by cyclists who commute to work, helping to keep their club road bikes in top condition for training and racing - reducing repairs and costs.

More than just cycling, Blue Sky Cycling Academy is a powerful NPO uplifting boys and girls through sport, helping youth stay on a good path, away from drugs and trouble on the streets. The discipline, teamwork, and dedication they learn on the bike pave the way for brighter futures.
We’re also excited that some members have shown interest in bicycle mechanics training, opening doors to entrepreneurship in the cycling industry and empowering them with valuable skills for life.
Here’s to stronger communities, healthier lifestyles, and brighter futures.

12/08/2025

Meet Wendy Rhodes – Heideveld’s Bicycle Hero!
In the heart of Heideveld, Wendy Rhodes is running a growing bicycle repair and sales business – powered by hard work, determination, and a true love for cycling.
Wendy goes the extra mile (literally!) to grow her business. She cycles nearly 40km to Marina da Gama to buy bicycles for resale – with a custom-built bike trailer hitched to her own bike so she can transport them back home. Talk about pedal power!
Thanks to funding support from the Western Cape Government DEDAT Department, Wendy now operates from a new wendy house with covered storage – giving her the space and tools to take her business to the next level.
Whether you need bike repairs or are looking for a quality second-hand bicycle, Wendy is ready to help.

📞 Contact Wendy directly on 074 094 3522 for all your cycling needs in Heideveld.

Let’s support this incredible local entrepreneur and keep Heideveld rolling!

Address

Muizenberg

Telephone

+27217884174

Website

http://benbikes.org.za/contribute/

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