The Pedal Power Association's Development & Transformation portfolio for 2008/9 is headed by Elton Davids.The Transformation and Development of cycling is growing by the day. Within the last year we have seen a greater visibility of development and transformation cyclists at PPA road funrides, as well as MTB events. The keen interest within our surrounding communities indicate the positive marketing exposure by our current development cycling clubs.
The PPA supports cycling development and transformation in several ways:
a) Club/school support
Apart from running specific projects throughout the year, the Pedal Power Association has an ongoing development club support system in place, specifically aimed at assisting clubs in previously disadvantaged areas.
Club support entails offering subsidised PPA membership to cyclists who need assistance in this regard, event entries; transport to attend events, transponders, CSA licenses, and cycling equipment. At present over 500 cyclists are registered with development clubs registered with the PPA. Regular monthly meetings are held to discuss cycling issues, general assistance and how to grow cycling in their respective areas.
At the time of writing, the following communities were included: Khayelitsha, Langa, Belhar, Elsies River, Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Steenberg, Retreat, Wynberg, Ottery, Athlone, Bellville, Atlantis, Paarl and a few farm schools in the Stellenbosch, Grabouw, Hex River and Worcester areas.
b) Special programmes
i) Koeberg Outreach Programme
The PPA recently hosted a programme where we introduced 30 youths from City Mission Homes (CMH) to the sport of cycling. They were introduced to a basic mechanics course and then enjoyed a scenic ride of the Koeberg Nature Reserve. We were pleased with the assistance received from Kinetic and Freewheelers Development Clubs and the feedback received from these clubs were positive.
ii) Killarney Interschools Project
The PPA launched the Killarney Interschools Pilot Project in 2007, with the main objective being to start a well-structured Interschools League. Midge De Goede and Sharon Allen facilitated the project on PPA’s behalf. Over a period of thirteen weeks, cyclists represented their schools in this FUN, yet technical and physical programme.
Amongst others, the cyclists were exposed to:
- Bunch riding
- Team riding
- Hand Signals
- Hill Climbs
- Criterium riding
- Basic Bike Mechanics
- Positive Team Building
The project was used for the selection of the Eric Van Enter Development Team. The prior weeks of training granted the facilitators the opportunity to identify talent. With the support of the PPA and LDCA (Life Development Cycling Academy), 26 cyclists had the privilege of representing their school and Province (WP) in this year’s tour. A final result of an overall 3rd Position was great, taking into consideration that 85% of the contingency derived from the transformation process.
This initiative was repeated in 2008.
iii) Primary Schools Safe Cycling Awareness Programme
The PPA, in conjunction with the Life Cycling Academy, presents an exciting ‘Safe Cycling Training Course’.
This particular course is targeted at primary schools grade 3 - grade 7 in and around the Western Cape Metropole area. With the support of the PPA, the LDCA have been the facilitators of this course since June 2005.
The Safe Cycling Training Course gives the participants a comprehensive knowledge of the rules of the road and how to ensure their experience on South African roads is a safe one. Educational areas that are covered include.
- Visibility
- Road signs
- Road markings
- Rules of the road
- The cyclist’s presence on the road
Practical Experience: Once the participants have mastered the theory, they are then placed in a controlled environment on the academy’s skills track. This track simulates road conditions with the safety of an enclosed area.
In the stimulated environment the cyclists get to experience real situations under the guidance of the instructors, including various road sign, traffic light and intersection scenarios.
iv) Winter Safety Drives
In June 2007, the PPA then initiated a ‘Safety Drive’ initiative, where helmets and bicycle lights were handed out to commuters throughout the Cape Flats without these vital safety items. The initiative was very well received by the community, and has been repeated annually since.
v) Training of bicycle mechanics
PPA hosted a bike mechanics course on the week-end prior to a recent funride, where men and women form previously disadvantaged communities were given basic cycling roadside assistance training, which they used on the day to assist cyclists at the event. They were based at the water stations and had plenty of work on the day! Several of them have since used their skills to open up little shops.
vi) Ad hoc workshops
The PPA regularly gets involved with ad hoc workshops, from schools sports days to safe cycling talks.
vi) Co-ordination of cycling donations
Throughout the year, the PPA co-ordinates a programme whereby bicycles and cycling kit are distributed amongst development cycling clubs and cyclists who can make good use of the equipment. Kit in good condition can be dropped off at the PPA Office at 9 Hill Park Lane, Mowbray, during office hours. In particular, there is a real need for bicycles in good condition (both road and MTB) in all sizes. Just contact the PPA Office if you have kit to donate, and we'll ensure that it gets to someone who'll appreciate it!
c) PPA Project Funding
In 2008, the PPA allocated funding of over R1,8m towards various cycling projects, which included the following development & transformation projects:
* Amarider: Building of several BMX tracks in the Western Cape, primarily in previously disadvantaged communities.
* Anna Foundation: "3R's plus 1" cycling initiative, bringing cycling to the Stellenbosch rural community
* Athlone Athletics and Baseball Club: Building of a BMX track in Athlone.
* BADISA: Initiatives to support disabled and previously disadvantaged cyclists in western and eastern Cape.
* Bicycling Empowerment Network: Ocean View High School bicycle workshop initiative.
* Bicycling Empowerment Network: Various Western Cape schools Safe Cycling projects.
* Cycle-4-Life: Various cycling transformation outreach programmes, including training for work creation in the sport.
* DE-AL/WP Schools Cycling Academy: Comprehensive transformation training programme at Killarney racetrack, aimed at giving local cyclists the skills and fitness to compete at the annual inter-provincial Eric van Enter competition.
* JAG Foundation: Building of a BMX track near the township of Kayamandi; teaching BMX skills with input from Olympians Erica Green and Christophe Sauser; identifying talent and generating opportunities for children from previously disadvantaged communities to participate in cycling events.
* Langebaan Biker Boys: Project aimed at bringing cycling to a previously disadvantaged community in Langebaan
* Rural Development Network: Project aimed at bringing cycling to rural communities in the Vyeboom (Villiersdorp) area.
* Southern Cape Cycling Association: Funding for various development and transformation cycling initiatives in the Southern Cape.
* Life Cycling Academy/Velokhaya: Building and maintenance of the Velokhaya BMX Oval and associated cycling facilities in Khayelitsha.
* Mthatha Cycling initiative: Provision of 20 bicycles, helmets, spares and tools and Safe Cycling courses in the Eastern Cape.