300 bicycles handed over to schools and neighbourhood watches during 2026 Western Cape Government Cycle Tour

NATIONAL NEWS - Premier Alan Winde and his Cabinet took cycling into the heart of communities across the Western Cape from 5 to 9 October, wrapping up the 2026 Western Cape Government (WCG) Cycle Tour with a clear message: a healthier, safer and more sustainable province is one worth getting on a bicycle for.

During the five-day tour, participants cycled nearly 200km and handed over 300 bicycles to more than 40 schools across seven municipal areas: Saldanha Bay, Berg River, Drakenstein, Witzenberg, Breede Valley and Stellenbosch municipalities, as well as the City of Cape Town.

The annual event, which formed part of Mobility Month this year, brings together various partner organisations, including the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), to encourage a culture of cycling, raise awareness of road safety and promote responsible road use among all road users.

The tour began in Saldanha Bay on the West Coast. Over five days, Premier Winde, provincial Ministers, Heads of Department and representatives of various organisations visited 42 schools, most of them in rural areas, to hand over bicycles.

Premier Winde said the tour forms part of the Western Cape Government’s broader efforts to encourage residents to leave their cars behind where possible and make more room for non-motorised transport on the province’s roads.

“Getting more people onto bicycles is about building healthier lifestyles, reducing our reliance on motor vehicles and creating safer roads for everyone. And, of course, it is a good reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to pedal!”

He added that the bicycle donations aim to give learners more opportunities to enjoy cycling while teaching them about responsibility.

Photo: Supplied

“By donating bicycles to schools, we want to make learners more aware of their responsibility in maintaining and sharing their bikes. We are also supporting neighbourhood watch groups (NHWs) with bicycles and resources because safer communities require all of us to play our part. Whether you are cycling to school, travelling to work or helping to keep your community safe, looking out for one another is essential.”

The 2026 WCG Cycle Tour once again highlighted the value of partnerships between government, schools, communities and cycling organisations in making cycling a practical and appealing transport choice.

Photo: Supplied

On the final day of the tour, participants took a moment to remember 16-year-old Lilitha Lombo, a member of the Khaltsha Cycles Development Club who was killed in a hit-and-run incident while cycling in Somerset West late last month.

Premier Winde extended his condolences to Lilitha’s family, loved ones and friends, saying the tragedy should serve as a reminder of the need for greater road safety.

“This tragedy must serve as a call to action: our roads are for everyone, not just motorists. I urge all road users - motorists, cyclists and pedestrians - to be considerate towards each other.”

Premier Winde concluded by thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the tour.

“To everyone who put in the hard work and sacrificed their time to make this cycle tour the success that it was, I want to thank you. Your dedication and attention to detail is what moved us forward.”

Photo: Supplied