Planting Seeds for Cycling

The Big Tree Foundation continues to grow cycling in the Western Cape. Their fun ride initiative is one of the strategies used by the foundation to highlight cycling safety and to create awareness of cycling. The Big Tree Foundation aligns this strategy with one of its core focus programs; the provision of bicycles to use as means of transport.

At a recent event which took place at Noorde Paarl High School in Paarl learners from the surrounding communities rode a 12km pre-planned route starting in Noorde Paarl High and circling the residential areas and then returning to the school. The Fun Ride is not a race and learners are encourage to observe and obey all traffic rules.

Although the event was predominantly targeted at school learners, public participation was also encourage. The event received fantastic support with approximately 1000 people attending and 520 cyclists participating in the fun ride. Each cyclist that took part in the ride was handed a 'food pack' containing an energy drink, hot dog, chips and a chocolate as they arrived back to the festive welcome by various artists singing and dancing.

Participants and spectators were encouraged to stay for the day with loads of fun games, jumping castles and food vendors to keep all entertained throughout the day. A lucky draw and spot prizes were another highlight of the day with prizes ranging from safe cycling books, cycling gadgets and tools such as pumps, cycling computers, gloves and a number of other prizes.

For more information on the Big Tree Foundation, or to find out how you can support them please visit www.bigtree.org.za or contact Victor Sables on +27.21.761.3430