A group of young cyclists from Idas Valley Community Trails (IVCT) is calling on the Stellenbosch mountain biking community for support as they look to use the sport as more than just a pastime.
The IVCT cycling team was born from the non-profit company which focuses on transforming the Idas Valley Nature Area as a space for recreational activities. The organisation, which was founded in 2020, specifically aims to get locals using the area for cycling, jogging and hiking, with its overall goal contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Eon Hendrikse, co-founder of IVCT, says the organisation has enjoyed much success since its establishment, including receiving an award at World Economic Forum Top Innovators 2022 and exhibiting at the Dubai 2020 Expo. “All these accolades belong to the community,” Hendrikse adds.
“Through this organisation, the cycling team was established in the middle of last year as a means to promote cycling as a sport and recreational activity in the Idas Valley community. We wanted to give locals a chance to escape from their busy lives and founded the Bums on Bike initiative.”
The project sees IVCT making bicycles available to youths from the community at no cost. They are then taken on guided rides through Idas Valley and the greater Stellenbosch area.
Between 30 to 60 youths aged 13 to 18 have taken full advantage of the opportunity to learn to cycle and explore their community and surrounds after school. This was all made possible thanks to a donation of 10 bicycles from the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN), the Pedal Power Association and provincial government in July last year, Hendrikse points out.
Some of the cyclists have also taken to mountain biking and have participated in three MTB events in and around Stellenbosch, with their entry fee covered by sponsors. Hendrikse says the organisation hopes to grow the number of participants and be involved in more MTB races.
“The ultimate goal is to establish Idas Valley as a cycling community and create opportunities for youths from Stellenbosch,” he stressed. “We know that Stellenbosch is fast becoming the mountain-biking mecca of South Africa, and we do not want opportunities linked to this to pass locals by.
“We realise that cycling can empower our community so much more, because youths can become bicycle mechanics, tour guides, delivery riders and more. However, for us to tap into this, we need professionals from Stellenbosch to transfer their knowledge and skills to these youths, so they can empower themselves. We need their guidance and support.”
And the project is already being used as a model to change lives in the community. Through the initiative six IVCT cyclists have received part-time employment as delivery riders through Hendrikse’s small business, Hendrikse Green Delivery.
Jade February (24) is one such cyclist, who had been unemployed until last February. “This is my first step to a bright future,” he said. “It really has had a positive influence in my life and I hope to one day be employed as a delivery driver.
“Through this job I have learnt routes, better communication and built relationships I wouldn’t ordinarily have had. I also know how to handle packages and have gained a lot of confidence.”
The 31-year-old Kirlan Daniels concurs, saying the opportunity has allowed him to contribute to his household financially. “I have started to build on my future, and this job has made a massive difference in my life.
“Not only am I staying busy, I am also working on my fitness. I am looking to take on any opportunities to learn new skills, so to better myself and build my life. I am eager to learn and my hunger for growth is becoming bigger each day.”
Furthermore, Hendrikse believes the project is positively contributing to the environment and is in line with the non-motorised transport plan of Stellenbosch Municipality.
He calls on the local MTB community to come on board and support the youths who are ready to absorb knowledge of the industry.
“This is a great way for you to plough back into a community that is very eager to learn and grow,” Hendrikse points out.
“We really want to take this initiative to the next level, but we can only do so with the support of those who have gleaned success from their own endeavours.”
- To get involved with the IVTC cycling team and support the cause, contact Hendrikse on eon@idasvalleycommunity.org.
