Projects
PPA FOCUSES ON SAFE CYCLING FOR 2012-2013
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) is the largest cycling organization in the Western Cape, and the biggest provincial cycling body in the country. It currently has some 19 000 paid-up members.
Founded in 1976 as the Western Province Pedal Power Association, the PPA (a Public Benefit Organisation) came into being as a result of the running of the first Cycle Tour that was to develop into the now-world famous Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour.
In addition to supporting specific projects, the Association also assists service organisations to annually organise some 50 funrides in order to raise funds for charity. These events are split roughly half-half between mass participation road and off-road funrides. On average, the PPA subsidises each funride with products and services valued between R15 000 and R22 000.
“The PPA and the Rotary Club of Claremont are the beneficiaries of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust who organises, amongst others, the annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. The PPA uses any profits received in this way to run the Association and to fund cycling projects that fit in with our Constitution. In this way, PPA has allocated over R8 million to cycling projects in the last four years,” explained PPA Chairman Steve Hayward.
The PPA launched a major ‘Safe Cycling’ campaign in late 2011, striving to focus attention on a safe passing distance between vehicles and cyclists. According to MEC Robin Carlisle, Minister for Transport and Public Works, the “1.5m” passing distance is set to become law this year. The enabling decisions have already been taken by Cabinet and public participation will be advertised in the very near future.
“We are really thrilled with the success of the PPA Safe Cycling campaign to date, and according to all accounts, fewer incidents between motorists and cyclist were recorded this year than in recent years,” Hayward said.
This year, PPA decided to allocate funding received from the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour to expand nationally upon their biggest safety campaign yet. The campaign will aim to spread its message nationally by partnering with the biggest cycling events across the country with the aim to maximize exposure of the safe cycling message. The message remaining a clear and simple one “Cyclists stay alive at 1.5m”. “We would like to urge motorists to continue giving cyclists a wide berth on an ongoing basis,” Hayward said. “In particular, motorists should be extra vigilant around commuters who may not have the same bicycle handling skills as racing cyclists. We also urge cyclists to ride responsibly and obey all traffic laws, to ride in a predictable manner and to be as visible as possible through wearing brightly coloured clothing and fitting lights to their bicycles.”
The campaign rolls out across radio, print, social media, and bumper stickers and license dic stickers will be available to help spread the word. Both stickers are available from participating cycle dealers and coffee shops, will be posted to all Cycle Tour entrants, and will also be available from the PPA Offices in Mowbray and at events on the PPA funride calendar.
This year, PPA has decided to allocate funding received from the Cycle Tour to take cycling safety drive to new heights by launching their biggest safety campaign yet.
PPA Funding to uplift communities
Cape Town, September 2012:- Since 1976,The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has shown their commitment to empowering, promoting and protecting cyclists through a host of funding and initiatives. Last year PPA spent R1,85 million on funding for a number of upliftment projects and this year is no different.
The Pedal Power Association is the largest cycling organisation in the Western Cape, and the biggest provincial cycling body in the country. It currently has around 19 000 paid-up members. To date, PPA have spent over R7 million on 120 cycling projects over a period of 4 years and this has contributed to significant upliftment and education around cycling in South Africa.
The Pedal Power Association, along with the Rotary Club of Claremont are beneficiaries of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, who organise amongst others the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. This combined with a number of PPA organised events is where funds are generated for project funding.
“This year, we again find ourselves in the fortunate position to be able to offer funding support to a number of initiatives and have allocated R1.7 million to projects for the 2012/2013 project year,” says PPA Chairman, Steve Hayward. “In addition, PPA remains dedicated to the plight of cyclists, cycling development and safety”, he concluded.
Projects for 2012/2013
A big focus for PPA remains on the development of cyclists in previously disadvantaged areas. The projects not only include commuting but real skills development. The development of junior cyclists in particular is where the largest portion of funding is spent. This year 17 clubs will benefit from funding for specific projects. This is over and above the continued support of more than 30 development clubs in various ways.
“Commuting, safe cycling and the general promotion of cycling will this year feature high on our agendas, with a number of initiatives aimed at highlighting the plight of cyclists as equal road-users,” says Steve Hayward, PPA Chairman.
This includes the second round of PPA’s safe cycling campaign, which saw motorists across the country spreading the “Safe Cycling Message” through bumper stickers. The message is a clear and simple one: “Cyclists stay alive at 1.5m”. Steve Hayward says, “This campaign was very well received earlier this year and we hope to generate even more awareness of cyclists as road users.”
Additional initiatives saw PPA create a commuting video to promote cycling as a real mode of transport. This combined with helmet handouts and promoting programmes like “Bike to Work Day” means PPA is making great strides in meeting its objectives.
The list below outlines all the beneficiaries of the 2012/2013 funding and includes PPA own events, which are gaining momentum and providing additional funding. Other projects worth highlighting are the number of upgrade projects that will pave the way for future cycling talent especially in the BMX and off-road arenas.
PPA is proud of its significant contribution to cycling in South Africa and will continue to make a difference wherever it can.
PROJECTS SUPPORTED IN 2012-2013
- Cape Town Giants, Southern Suburbs
- Cedar High, Mitchells Plain
- Fairmount Secondary School, Lotus River
- Freewheelers Cycling Club, Steenberg
- Genesis BMX Club
- Heinz Park, Heinz Park
- Hex valley Secondary School, De Doorns
- Hout Bay Cycling Club, Hout Bay
- Kinetic Cycling Club, Bishop Lavis
- Lavendar Hill Secondary School
- Muhammadeyeh Cycling Club, Wynberg
- Rhadsport Cycling Club, Paarl
- Southern Cape Cycling Club, Oudtshoorn
- Southern Most Foundation Bredasdorp
- Steenberg High School, Steenberg
- Suburbs Cycling Club, southern Suburbs
- Yep Clan, Khayelitsha
OTHER INITIATIVES
- Bike to work days
- Helmet handouts
- Safety ad campaign
- Commuting (incl. video)
- Safe Cycling Courses
PPA OWN EVENTS
Heels on Wheels – females only (Road)
Schapenberg MTB – generic (mountain)
Tread Lightly – females only (mountain)
Tour de PPA – (Road)
OTHER PROJECTS
Western Province Schools Cycling Academy – fund development team to attend CSA Youth Festival
Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) Mobility programme
Botrivier Secondary School – BMX’s
Chaeli Campaign – tandem for disabled cyclist
New Mountain Bike trails in Genadendal/Greyton region
Upgrade of Kraaifontain BMX track
SANPARKS Tokai – upgrades and trail maintenance on Mtb trails
