Cape Town - Through expertise and skills, Mzikhona Mgedle founded the Langa Bicycle Hub and now he has a dream of something bigger.
Mgedle will take part in the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour tomorrow to raise funds for a bicycle workshop.
The bicycle hub is a 12-metre container, which Mgedle hopes to convert into a workshop to repair and sell bicycle equipment, teach the community how to cycle and create employment by running bicycle tours.
Established in 2020, the centre currently offers a cycling service in the area that includes delivering medication to the elderly and Mgedle promotes road safety.
“For six years, I worked with Open Streets Cape Town (OSCT) where I learnt about the power of bicycles and community mobilisation. My role at OSCT included engaging with diverse stakeholders in various communities around Cape Town.
“This work often took place in complex environments with factious community dynamics, competing for interest and limited resources. Through the expertise and skills I gained at OSCT, I decided to open up a bicycle hub in the area.
“It is important to provide a home for cycling activities in Langa and have a centre to build and fix bikes. I am passionate about commuter cycling and youth employment with cycling opportunities and innovative public spaces as place making hubs,” he said.
Regarding the event, Mgedle said he plans to complete it before the cut-off time.
“I will never miss any Cape Town Cycle Tour opportunity. I took part in 2020, I felt safe and everything went well. I loved the diversity during the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the inclusivity of bicycle riders from all walks of life.
“Cyclists got so much support and special health treatment (along the) route. I wish that could happen in a normal world where cyclists are respected and noticed on the road at all times. I did not train more than commuting to work and dropping my daughter off at school,” he added.
Meanwhile, more than 22 000 participants will take part in this year’s event, including 1200 internationals and 21 300 local riders.
Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour David Bellairs said: “We are hopeful that we will emerge shortly from this pandemic and once again be allowed to get our entries back up to where they need to be. We are however grateful that we have been able to increase from the 18 000 of last year to the 22 500 this year
“Traditionally the event has a positive economic benefit on the Western Cape of over R500 million. Reduced numbers will obviously mean less of an impact, but we are confident that the Western Cape should have a positive impact of well over R400 million.
“We encourage all spectators to support the cyclists in a responsible manner and to remember that we are still under lockdown level 1 restrictions,” he said.
Weekend Argus