20 March 2007
In support of the call by the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and the
Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) for 'Bike to Work' day, Western Cape
Education MEC Cameron Dugmore will be riding in tandem with representatives of
the two organisations to schools and then to work on Thursday morning, 22
March.
MEC Dugmore will visit Rondebosch Boys' High (at 07h00) and Rustenberg
Girls' High (at 07h30) to discuss with staff and learner representative leaders
a drive to collect used bikes from learners, parents and past pupils for
donations to Bambanani school safety volunteers and a twin school who can use
bikes to start a riding club.
MEC Dugmore will present the donated bikes (or pledges of it) to MEC
Ramatlakane and his department's Bambanani volunteers for use in patrolling a
cluster of schools and announce further support and partnerships with the
project led by Mr Andrew Wheeldon. The BEN repairs donated bikes and gives them
to needy causes.
The PPA has called on all bicycle riders to support this initiative by
riding to work on Friday, 23 March. In a press statement, Karin Pohl of the
association said: "There are some of us that ride to work every day. We enjoy
it. We also believe that it makes the world a better place."
"However, we also need to show the authorities that there exists a need for
better cycling commuting facilities. By showing that there are many South
Africans who would consider cycling to work, we'll be in a stronger position to
lobby for Government support."
"Even if you use your car a lot during the day, use your bike on Friday, 23
March 2007. Do your closer errands that day and leave the ones that are further
and which involves transporting heavy objects for another day."
All media are invited for photo opportunities (Thursday 22 March):
07h00: arrives at Rondebosch Boys' High, Canigou Avenue
07h30: arrives at Rustenberg Girls' High, Camp Ground Road
08h00: MEC and entourage departs for Cape Town along the Main Road (through
Mowbray, Salt River and Woodstock)
For further comment call:
Andrew Wheeldon
Cell: 082 598 9178
Karen Pohl
Cell: 082 856 2309
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
Cell: 082 550 3938
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
20 March 2007
