The Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) was launched in Cape Town on 7 February 2002. In collaboration with development/donor agencies, the project facilitates the transportation of used bicycles from Europe and Great Britain  to South Africa, the establishment of bicycle workshop projects and the introduction of bicycle user paths/networks.

 

BEN’s mission is to provide opportunities through promoting the use of bicycles and thereby creating a cycling culture for all walks of life. Providing people with affordable access to health, education and employment opportunities in and outside their communities, through the use of the bicycle, is one of BEN’s key focus areas. Since 2002, BEN has established Bicycle Empowerment Centres in various disadvantaged communities of the Western Cape. As well as providing an income for the BEC manager, their businesses promote cycling as an accessible and affordable mobility option in communities often affected by unemployment, poverty, gangsterism, drugs, illiteracy and high levels of crime.

 

BEN is also involved with several Western Cape schools, training learners in basic bike repair and bike safety – not only promoting safe cycling to the youth from various impoverished areas, but allowing these learners access to their education, especially those who live far from their schools. This is a vital need in these communities, allowing these learners to go further and improve their family circumstances through education.

 

Find BEN South Africa on facebook and on twitter and the BEN video at BEN BIKES VIDEO

Activities:

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