A bike bus (also known as a bike train or a cycle train) is a group of people who cycle to work in a group. It’s called a “bus” because there’s a set timetable and route so it can collect more “passengers” along the way. Cyclists may leave the bike bus at various points along the way.
Cycling to work in a group is fun, sociable and much safer than cycling alone. It is also good for you (#KeepingFit #SavingMoney #NoTrafficJams) and the planet too (#ZeroEmissions #CleanAir)!
Join a bike bus/ group ride in your area or create your own, invite some friends nearby and start sharing trips to work or school.
BIKE BUS EVENTS
This year we are teaming up with Open Streets to activate a series of bicycle commuter routes around Cape Town. Aimed to encourage more people to go by bike and experience new ways of moving around the city. Follow us on Facebook to see upcoming Bike Bus group rides.
FRIDAY BIKE2WORK RIDES
Together with Open Streets, we are hosting weekly bike bus rides every Friday from Claremont, Gugulethu and Northern Suburbs to the CBD. Full details here >
BIKE BUS TO OPEN STREETS EVENTS
See upcoming events here>
BIKE BUS WEEKLY COMMUTER ROUTES
DEPARTING NORTHERN SUBURBS
Bellville to Claremont/Newlands
Departing from Bellville, Stellenridge and cycling to Claremont/Newlands on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 07:30 and back at 16:00. Contact Peter to join ( +27 83 6272463)
Goodwood to Century City
For more information on the route and departure and pick up times contact Julian (+27 82 051 8028) and email julian@webwealthmedia.co.za
Northern Suburbs to Woodstock/ City Center
We are looking for someone to co-ordinate / lead the ride on this route.
Parklands to Belville (Tygervalley area)
We are looking for someone to co-ordinate / lead the ride on this route.
Ottery to Bellville
Depart Ottery at 06:45 am – arrive Bellville 07:50. Route goes from De Wet Road, Ottery onto Jan Smuts Drive and all the way up to Epping turnoff into Viking Rd. Viking Rd turns into Francie Van Zijl Drive. Carry on until Bellville.
Return via same route – Depart Bellville 16:30 arrive Ottery 17:40.
Contact Samir on Whatsapp Commute Group +27 84 606 9664 or email samir.hendricks@gmail.com
Kensington/Maitland to Town/Waterfront
Departing 6.30 – 7am. Route either via Woodstock and bike lane or Paarden Eiland and bike lane. Returning 5-5.30pm
Contact: Yusuf Mowlana 0823379886 or email Mowlana.yusuf@gmail.com
DEPARTING CENTRAL CAPE TOWN
Woodstock to Century City via cycle lane. Option for those traveling from Observatory to join as well. For more information on the route contact Scherlize Hayes slizehayes@gmail.com
CBD to Southern Suburbs
Departure 7:30 from Greenpoint Circle (Stadium), and route goes all the way to Claremont. Contact Daria Pershina – +27 21 003 5100 (Ext.5506) daria.pershina@ipreo.com
DEPARTING SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Palmyra Junction, Claremont to CBD
Depart 7:00 am from Palmyra Junction – every Friday.
Contact Details: Sindile Mavundla 0845512053, sindile@openstreets.co.za
Rondebosch /Claremont to CBD
Depart 7:00 am from corner of Park/Belmont Road and Liesbeek Parkway.
Route: Along Liesbeek Park way (M57) onto New Market Street (R102) into Cape Town CBD.
Contact Details: Justin van Dyk 0797247586, justinvdyk@gmail.com
Muizenberg to CBD
We are looking for someone to co-ordinate / lead the ride on this route.
Wynberg to Century City via Woodstock
We are looking for someone to co-ordinate / lead the ride on this route.
SUBMIT A BIKE BUS ROUTE
Email us at hello@bicyclecapetown.org with the your route details and contact info.
FAQS
What do I need?
- A bike in working order (take it to the bike shop for a check up if it hasn’t been ridden lately)
- Helmet and lights
- A lock to secure your bike at your destination
How do I join?
Call, text or email the bike bus driver first, to confirm it is running as advertised and to check the details and pick up times and point.
What if I am a newbie cyclist?
Some bike buses are suitable for inexperienced riders but you need to check the details of the route and the speed of the ride with the bike bus driver. You can also build your confidence before hand by joining one a cycling skills course in your area.
There is no bike bus for the route/time I need?
Create your own bike bus. Find someone to ride with you at first ( a friend or colleague), then share your route with us.
What if it rains?
Some bike buses don’t run when it is raining – please check with the bike bus driver.
What if I get a puncture?
Bike buses vary – some expect you to carry pump, tube/repair kit and to be able to fix it yourself, and some will allocate someone to stay back with you to help you. Check with the bike bus driver. If needed you can always hop on the MyCiti bus or Metrorail Train to complete your journey.
Is it safe?
Whilst you are responsible for your own safety while riding with the group, one of the best things about the bike bus is safety in numbers. The more people who ride together, the higher the visibility the bike bus has, combined with careful route choice, responsible and alert riding, and the knowledge of more experienced cyclists, a bus can make riding to work pretty safe compared to cycling alone.
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World Bicycle Day is celebrated across the globe on Monday 3 June and Cape Town’s bicycle advocates came together to reward cycle commuters and shine a spotlight on those who are at the forefront of adopting this wonderful way of getting around!
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Our definitive guide to Cape Town’s favourite bike friendly cafes along the official Cape Town Cycle tour route.
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Breaking the routine… An impromptu, mid-week bike camping adventure to a secluded campsite nestled at the foot of the famous Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town.
OVERNIGHT | ⇔ 35 km (oneway) | + 600m | ≡ Tar
