WHAT IS A BIKE BUS?
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.
JOIN A BIKE BUS EVENT
BIKE BUS TO OPEN STREETS EVENTS
Follow us on Facebook or check the events calendar> to see upcoming Bike Bus group rides.
JOIN A BIKE BUS WEEKLY COMMUTE
How do I join? Call, text or email the bike bus leader first, to confirm it is running as advertised and to check the details and pick up times and point.
DEPARTING NORTHERN SUBURBS
Bellville to Claremont/Newlands
Bike Bus Leader: Peter
Departure: Bellville, Stellenridge, cycling to Claremont/Newlands on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 07:30 and back at 16:00.
Contact: +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
Bike bus leaders: Jerome Le Sueur and Danie Kotze
Departure: Bayside Mall at 06:45 am
Email: hairylegs.mtb@gmail.com
Parklands to Belville (Tygervalley area)
We are looking for someone to co-ordinate / lead the ride on this route.
Ottery to Bellville
Bike Bus Leader: Samir
Departure: 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: on Whatsapp Commute Group +27 84 606 9664 or Email samir.hendricks@gmail.com
Kensington/Maitland to Town/Waterfront
Bike Bus Leader: Yusuf Mowlana
Departure: 6.30 – 7am from Kensington/Maitland. Route either via Woodstock and bike lane or Paarden Eiland and bike lane. Returning 5-5.30pm
Contact: 0823379886 or Email Mowlana.yusuf@gmail.com
DEPARTING CENTRAL CAPE TOWN
Woodstock to Century City via cycle lane.
Bike Bus Leader: Scherlize Hayes
Departure: Woodstock. Option for those traveling from Observatory to join as well. Contact for more information on the route.
Email: slizehayes@gmail.com
CBD to Southern Suburbs
Bike Bus Leader: Daria Pershina
Departure: 7:30 from Greenpoint Circle (Stadium), and route goes all the way to Claremont. Contact +27 21 003 5100 (Ext.5506) or Email: daria.pershina@ipreo.com
DEPARTING SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Palmyra Junction, Claremont to CBD
Bike Bus Leader: Jaco Van Der Linde
Departure: 7:00 am from Palmyra Junction – every Friday.
Contact Details: 0611556677
Rondebosch /Claremont to CBD
Bike Bus Leader: Justin van Dyk
Departure: 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: 0797247586 . Email: 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.
START A BIKE BUS
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- PICK A TIME & PLACE – Decide how often the group will cycle together and establish meeting points to pick up kids along the route. We recommend using WhatsApp to co-ordinate your ride.
- SELECT RIDE LEADERS & MARSHALS. Choose an experienced cyclist to lead the ride. If you are organising a bike bus to cycle to school, then have at least one parent riding in the front (“bus driver”), one at the back (sweeper), and one or more in the middle (rangers). There should be roughly 1 adult for every 3-5 kids.
- SET AN AGE LIMIT FOR KIDS RIDING SOLO – We suggest that only children in the upper elementary grades cycle on their own bikes. Until the age of 10, most kids can’t accurately judge speed, distance, or the sound of traffic. Younger kids can be carried on their parents bicycles.
- SHARE YOUR ROUTE – Inspire others to join your bike bus or start their own. Submit your bike bus route. Email us at info@bicyclesouth.co.za with the your route details and contact info.
TIPS & 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 and a lock to secure your bike at your destination is essential. For more advice, check the Guide to Commuter Bikes & Gear.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 a cycling skills course in your area. Or check out our Guide to Biking in the City.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 leader. For tips on essential gear and skills you need to safely and comfortably ride in the rain, view our Guide to Wet Weather Riding.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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