Believing we can all make a difference to those in need during the current global pandemic, a cycle shop in Khayelitsha is on a mission to provide bicycles for essential workers residing in townships.

On Saturday 30 May Khaltsha Cycles officially handed over the first 10 bicycles to essentials workers in Khayelitsha and Langa. The bicycles will enable essentials workers to reach more communities quicker.

The Heroes on Bikes campaign aims to raise R50 000 to fund 20 bicycles for essential workers in townships, so they have a safe and convenient mode of transport during the pandemic. It is led by Sindile Mavundla, an avid cyclist from the TSIBA Ignition Academy and founder of Khayelitsha-based cycle shop, Khaltsha Cycles which aims to create and inspire a culture of cycling in townships.

Says Sindile: “When the pandemic hit, I immediately thought of how Khaltsha Cycles could make a difference. I realised that during this time essential workers in the townships who are playing an important role to ensure our health, safety and food security have challenges concerning transport to and from work. Trains and buses aren’t running in their areas, taxis are unsafe and e-hailing services are expensive. So, I thought what better way to get to work at this time than a bicycle, and Heroes on Bikes was born.”

To help provide the much-needed bicycles, Sindile approached bicycle manufacturer, Avalanche Bicycles, to work with his cycle shop to offer a no-frills commuter bicycle with accessories to essential service workers. Accessories include a bicycle lock, helmet, tubes, patch kit and tyre levers, saddlebag, hand pump and lights. The package costs R3 500 and together, Avalanche and Khaltsha Cycles are contributing R1 000. To raise the balance of

R2 500, Khaltsha Cycles has set up a fundraising campaign for Heroes on Bikes and is pleading with members of the public to donate to the drive to make life a little easier for essential service workers in townships during this time.

“Twenty essential workers have signed up to receive the bicycles and generous donations have already made it possible to raise R21 000, which will fund eight bicycles. We’re humbled by the support we’ve received so far and are pleading for more donations to reach our target of R50 000 and 20 bicycles in total for our heroes,” says Sindile.

He adds: “Our heroes need safe, reliable, convenient and affordable transportation to get to our communities throughout the Covid-19 crisis. And a bicycle is the perfect mode of transport, plus it’s great for physical distancing. Any amount donated will help us achieve our goal and provide much-needed relief.”