Aspire Cycling in Kuils River celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday 16 November, presenting its 38th cycling skills development session in the parking area of the Metro East Education District (MEED) offices.
This non-profit community organisation was started by former cycling champion and administrator William Newman under the auspices of the civic organisation, Highbury Foundation.
The development programme is aimed at empowering young people through cycling by providing access to bicycles, skills and opportunities.
Bicycles
Aspire Cycling started with five bicycles that were donated by the Western Cape Mobility Department in partnership with the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) and the Pedal Power Association (PPA).
The first skills session was presented on Sunday 17 November 2024 at Excelsior Park in Highbury. Thorns in the park led to punctures and the venue has since moved to MEED.
With around 20 youngsters attending each session from early on, the children had to take turns to ride.
Earlier this year, Aspire Cycling received a welcome boost when 10 more bicycles were donated through the mobility department’s Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP) implemented by BEN and PPA.
Unfortunately, soon after, one of the new bicycles was stolen when a youngster rode off with it.
“Despite giving the police all the evidence and details of who the 11-year-old culprit is, including photographic and video evidence, the police have not been able to recover the bike.
It is really sad as it affects the youth who have to wait their turn with limited bikes,” Newman said.
Sessions
Newman and Winston Middleton continues presenting the sessions, providing youngsters with a safe and inclusive environment to learn and develop their cycling abilities.
The hope is that introducing the youth to bicycle skills could progress to recreational and competitive cycling.
Remarking on Aspire Cycling’s skills programme’s first anniversary and having sparked the joy and excitement of cycling amongst many youngsters, Newman said: “It’s a really good feeling.”
The sessions are on Sundays from 15:00 to 17:00 at MEED’s parking lot. Boys and girls are welcome. Those who have, can bring their own bicycles and helmets.
Contact Newman at cycling@newmaxprojects.co.za or visit www.newmaxprojects.co.za/aspirecycling.
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