Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN)

Overview

I-CE Interface for Cycling Expertise
BEN is partner in the Bicycle Partnership Program of I-CE. Through the BPP and the Locomotives program which preceded it, BEN participates in an international network of ngo's promoting cycling policies and cycling inclusive planning. These ngo's are based in Africa, Asia and Latin America. I-CE in the Netherlands secures funding from e.g. the Dutch minister for Develop Cooperation to co fund projects and to arrange training and exchange.

With support by BEN the cities of Cape Town and Tshwane signed a Memorandum of Understanding with I-CE for capacity building on cycling inclusive planning. The University of Cape Town has become partner in the Cycling Academic Network, initiatied by I-CE and Dutch universities.

The BPP supports also projects by BEN to make bicycles affordable. Re-Bike is a project to first select the valuable components of second hand bikes before shipment. BEN and I-CE jointly investigate the effect of second hand bikes on the local market and the impact on the users.

Bicycle Distribution
BEN distributes bicycles to schools and learners, farm workers, health-care workers and other beneficiaries in co-operation with I-ce, ITDP, the Department of Transport and the City of Cape Town programmes, as well as through its Bicycle Empowerment Centres (BEC), previously known as Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBDs), and other projects.

Bicycle Empowerment Centres (BECs)
BEN has established eight bicycle workshops in the Western Cape, by supplying containers (converted to workshops) and stocking the workshop with bicycles and tools (either new or used). BEC project managers are trained by BEN in business management as well as bike maintenance. All existing BECs are now independent of BEN, but the partnership continues through ongoing training, bicycle supplies, joint events and support.

Cape Town Green Map
updated 03/2012 by Cape Town Green Map