This month at Bike Nite we were awed and inspired by 26 year old Canadian bicycle mechanic and traveling cyclist, Brenna Coupland who shared the story of her journey to empower communities around the world through bicycle accessibility and mechanical education. A journey that has taken her all the way from Vancouver to Guatemala City and through Africa to Cape Town.
As an explorer and long distance cyclist Brenna understands how simply owning a bicycle and knowing how to fix it can build confidence and improve and expand one’s life. Now together with Peace and Love International she started a Bike Club at Fisantekraal High School where she shares her knowledge and passion, inspiring others to do the same and pass it forward – beeyond a bike.
The Bike Club is an after school program for students of Fisantekraal High School located in a rural community 10 km east of Durbanville. The program aims to empower youth through mechanical training, bicycle ownership and participation in local races and events. The youth meet 2-4 times weekly and repair a used, often donated, bicycle that they choose once they join. Each class incorporates theory and practical mechanics and, after about 6 weeks, the student becomes the proud owner of a bike they fixed themselves!
The youth stay involved by helping out in the workshop, attending field trips and participating in rides and events. The club now has 23 members and has just launched a girls bike club with 6 enthusiastic young women just starting to learn their way around a wheel!
CONTACT BRENNA TO DONATE BIKE AND GEAR
Brenna Coupland
Tel: +27 (0)76 628 0110
Email: yogabrenna@hotmail.com
facebook.com/beeyondabike
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Meet Mariska, the maker behind the cool, new bike-bag brand, Pieta Designs.
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Win two tickets to this year’s Bicycle Film Festival – Cape Town!
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Win an Enjoy ProXision kit (bib shorts and jersey) in our latest Gear Giveaway. Find out how to enter here…
