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"The Pedal Power Association runs an active programme throughout the year to promote cycling in all its forms," said PPA's vice-chairman, Elton Davids. "To this end we spend a substantial portion of the money we receive from the Cycle Tour on cycling development and transformation, safe cycling initiatives, off-road cycling and various other projects as per the different sub-committees on our Executive Committee."
The bulk of income received from the Cycle Tour, however, is spent on funrides, where the income received from funride organisers is on average less than half of what it costs PPA to facilitate safe, well-organised events.
The Pedal Power Association's development policy is aimed at enabling cyclists to literally 'get to the start line' through direct or indirect assistance. PPA constantly strives to introduce cycling at an early age across all facets of the South African community.
"In other words, 'transformation cycling' to us not only means introducing the previously disadvantaged community to cycling through mass participation initiatives, but also to assist with schools cycling," Elton said. "To this end we are starting a new interschool league at Killarney early in 2007, aiming, amongst others, to assist with preparation for the Eric van Enter inter-schools competition. Our development programmes aim at talent identification and nurturing these individuals to reach their full potential."
The Pedal Power Association supports Development Clubs from different communities throughout the Cape Metropole, concentrating on 'Red Zone' areas as identified by Government. Clubs are supported through the provision of equipment, contributing towards traveling costs to attend funrides, subsidized PPA membership fees, heavily subsidized entries to various events, subsidized league costs, and more.
Some 500 Western Cape cyclists are registered to development clubs on the PPA database. There are currently more cyclists involved, but the Club Managers only register those who show commitment and dedication to cycling with the PPA.
Throughout the year, the Pedal Power Association supports ongoing projects for scholars in previously disadvantaged areas to attend courses on safe cycling, presented by the Life Development Cycling Academy. In addition to supporting the running of the program, the sponsorship from the PPA enables the Academy to complete much needed maintenance on the bicycles used on the course before starting the school visits. "This programme is going from strength to strength," Elton said. "We are currently in negotiations with the Department of Education to extend it on a regional basis."
The Office of the Premier of the Western Cape recently approached the PPA to assist with establishing a cycling team to cycle under the 'Home for All' banner. Participants were drawn from development clubs registered with the PPA, with the 'Home for All' program having a clear ratio split regarding gender and race. The Premier's office donated fifteen bicycles to the PPA development initiative and these were handed over along with cycling kit (helmets, shoes and gloves). This project is administered in conjunction with the Life Development Academy.
The PPA would like to see more members of the fairer sex on bicycles, and we have partnered several workshops in this regard. These workshops have been aimed both at road and off-road cycling, and have included tips on riding, eating, training and the like.
OTHER PROJECTS
"Since unification, PPA has been actively involved in making key decisions on a national level to make cycling a more user-friendly and desirable sport," said Elton. To this end, the PPA Executive Committee is represented at Cycling South Africa by holding the posts of Vice-Chairman of CSA and Recreational Commissioner for CSA, while other PPA members are involved in the CSA's development portfolio.
"There remains much work that needs to be done. The tasks that lay ahead are momentous ones and it remains the part of PPA to play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the new body," said David Bellairs, past Chairman of PPA and current Vice-Chairman of CSA.
Mountain biking
The steady growth in mountain bike events has resulted that there are now more mountain bike than road events on the PPA calendar. In line with helping to facilitate more off-road opportunities for our dirt-loving cyclists, in partnership with Dirtopia, PPA funding has seen the creation of several kilometres of new singletrack in Jonkershoek and Tokai. Funds were also used to repair sections of the popular Majic Forest trail in Bellville. This area is experiencing ever-increasing visitor numbers and a relook of the trail system is on the cards.
Relations with MTO Forestry are on a very positive footing and the future of singletrack riding looks very promising. Challenges include a similar pine forest exit strategy in Grabouw, Lebanon and other traditional forestry reserves.
Commuting
During the past year, PPA held a seminar for road and traffic planners from local and provincial government on 2 June 2006. Our purpose was to establish relations with the officials whose work can promote or hinder cycling.
In conjunction with the Bicycling Empowerment Network, PPA organized two Bike to Work Days and were involved in other commuting initiatives.
The percentage of trips taken by bicycle in the Western Cape is probably less than 1%, although reliable statistics are not available. This compares with a modal split to bicycles of 30% and more in some Dutch cities and even higher in some other countries. This indicates that there is a huge potential for growth, and PPA will continue to argue for the rights of non-motorised transport.
Other projects currently taking place include leagues, special events, recreational tours and cycling marshals. "We are also starting to investigate options around BMX facilities," Elton said, "as we are looking for ways to introduce youngsters to cycling in a safe environment. We would like to thank all the cyclists for contributing to all our efforts and for making the above possible."
Safe Cycling / Commuting Brochures
This project aims to improve the somewhat strained relationship between cyclists and motorists by encouraging cyclists to follow important safety guidelines and so influence the attitudes of motorists towards cyclists.
The PPA will support the production of two brochures, "Bicycles are vehicles too" (aimed at motorists) and "An answer for (almost) every excuse" (aimed at potential bicycle commuters). These brochures will form an important part of the monthly Pedal Power Association “Cycle to Work” days.
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