* UPDATE – THE BIKE BUDDIES PROGRAMME IS CURRENTLY CLOSED*
If you are looking to join beginners cycling classes or improve your commuter skills. Please contact one of these organisations:
The Bicycle School (Johannesburg) Lessons and commuter skills
Khaltsha Cycles (Cape Town) Social Rides and Lessons
Bicycles and Beyond (Cape Town) Lessons
Pedal Power Association (Cape Town) Social Rides
Our Bike Buddies programme matches newbie cyclists with experienced cyclists (bike buddies) in their area to help them build skills and confidence to cycle safely and happily on the road.
Bike Buddies is 100% volunteer run and is supported by an awesome network of experienced cyclists who are passionate about empowering more people to ride and sharing their knowledge of local routes and great rides. By reviewing safety tips, sharing the best routes from A-B and riding together, Bike Buddies aims to alleviate any fear or nervousness and get new cyclists cycling safely and happily on the road.
FIND A BIKE BUDDY
Choose a Bike Buddy from our network, just click the button on their profile to send them a bike buddy request. If you can’t find a Bike Buddy in your area or have any questions, drop us an email to let us know.
Please note that to join this programme you must already know how to ride a bike or have completed a Learn to Cycle class. You are responsible for your own safety while riding with your Bike Buddy. You will also need a fully functional bike (aside from an occasional roadside puncture, Bike Buddies can’t fix your bike) and the right gear: a helmet, lights (for night riding) and a bike lock.
Looking for Bike Buddies to train with for the Cycle Tour? Click here!
DAVID MALAN
Where he rides: Cape Town Southern Suburbs, Woodstock and CBD.
“I’m an everyday cyclist – I try to ride everyday! I usually commute by bike (from the Southern Suburbs to Woodstock) during the week and go for longer rides on the weekend. Every now and then I go on a bikepacking adventure. I am happy to ride along with anyone who’d like to join.”
KIRSTEN WILKINS
Where she rides: Cape Town Southern Suburbs
“As an avid commuter and sports cyclist, I love taking on new challenges, whether its navigating the morning rush hour on my commute or racing across the Karoo. I am passionate about helping more people to start cycling and am a dedicated advocate for social justice, cycling and livable cities.”
SINDILE MAVUNDLA
Where he rides: Cape Town, Southern Suburbs regular commute on Friday mornings.
“I’m a bike lover and commuter cyclist. Cycling for me is therapy; you can never be sad while on a bicycle. I work for NPO Open Streets and organise a regular commute on Friday mornings from the Southern Suburbs to the CBD”
ANDREW WHEELDON
Where he rides: Cape Town (all), Stellenbosch and Winelands. Weekdays & weekends.
“I have been a commuter, recreational and competitive cyclist since 1980 and have covered more than 465,000 bicycle kms around the world – it is my passion, my work, and my life. I enjoy cycling with others from all walks of life, of all skills levels.”
ROBERT KETTERINGHAM
Where he rides: Cape Town – from Observatory to CBD or to Claremont. Flexible times.
“After a day spent in front of a computer, I’m always excited to get my heart pumping and utilise my body to make something happen, rather than once again letting a machine do all the work for me.”
SIYABONGA GWALA
Where he rides: Johannesburg, Pretoria. Weekdays & weekends, afternoons.
“The day I started cycling in Johannesburg CBD my whole life changed, I conquered my fear on my road bicycle and cycled in the most dangerous part of the city. I find it very therapeutic and fun to do so in the city because I use my bicycle to go everywhere, therefore I started my own cycling movement in the Johannesburg CBD called SiyaRider – selling bicycles, teaching people how to ride and organising weekly social rides. The idea is to grow the cycling community in Jozi inner city.”
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Calling all experienced cyclists. If you love cycling and would like to share your knowledge of local short-cuts, safer routes and great rides, then we need you! As a Bike Buddy, you’ll be matched with newbie cyclists in your area and go cycling together! You’ll share tips and show them how to safely navigate the city streets. You will not be responsible for teaching complete beginners how to ride bikes or expected to repair their bike. You can cycle with your buddy as often as you like and you can also ride with more than one buddy at a time.
Currently we are running a pilot programme in Cape Town but we are also calling on cyclists across SA to join so that we can spread the Bike Buddy network. To qualify as a Bike Buddy you need to be 18 years or over and a competent on-road cyclist with good knowledge of your local area.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
Fill out this form to volunteer as a ride leader and Bike Buddy! Any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
