The Western Cape Government has donated 300 bicycles to more than 40 schools and neighbourhood watch groups as part of its 2026 Western Cape Government (WCG) Cycle Tour, which saw Premier Alan Winde and provincial Cabinet members cycle nearly 200km across the province.
Held from 5 to 9 October, the five-day tour began in Saldanha Bay on the West Coast and formed part of Mobility Month. The initiative aimed to promote healthier lifestyles, encourage sustainable transport and raise awareness of road safety among motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Premier Winde, provincial ministers, heads of departments and representatives of partner organisations visited 42 schools, most of them in rural communities, during the tour. The bicycles were distributed across seven municipal areas: Saldanha Bay, Berg River, Drakenstein, Witzenberg, Breede Valley and Stellenbosch, as well as the City of Cape Town.
Promoting cycling in schools and communities
The annual initiative was supported by organisations including the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), which work to promote cycling and encourage responsible road use.
Winde said the tour formed part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to encourage residents to use bicycles and other forms of non-motorised transport where possible.
“Getting more people onto bicycles is about building healthier lifestyles, reducing our reliance on motor vehicles and creating safer roads for everyone,” he said.
He added that providing bicycles to schools would give learners greater opportunities to experience the benefits of cycling while encouraging them to take responsibility for maintaining and sharing the bicycles.
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Bicycles to support safer communities
The government also supported neighbourhood watch (NHW) groups with bicycles and resources, recognising their role in helping to improve community safety.
“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,” Winde said.
The tour highlighted the role of partnerships between government, schools, communities and cycling organisations in making cycling a more accessible and practical transport option across the province.
Road safety message following cyclist’s death
The final day of the tour included a tribute to 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 in September.
Winde extended his condolences to Lombo’s family, friends and loved ones, calling for greater consideration and accountability among all road users.
“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,” he said.
The premier also thanked everyone involved in organising and supporting the five-day tour, acknowledging their time, commitment and contribution to its success.
Through the annual cycle tour, the Western Cape Government aims to strengthen cycling culture, improve road safety awareness and encourage communities to embrace healthier and more sustainable ways of travelling.
