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Media Release

20 March, 2007

Dugmore joins call for "Bike to Work" day

Statement by Cameron Dugmore, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

In support of the call by the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) for "Bike to Work" day, Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore will be riding in tandem with representatives of the two organizations to schools and then to work on Thursday morning 22nd March.

MEC Dugmore will visit Rondebosch Boys' High (at 07h00) and Rustenberg Girls' High (at 07h30) to discuss with staff and learner representative leaders a drive to collect used bikes from learners, parents and past pupils for donations to Bambanani school safety volunteers and a twin school who can use bikes to start a riding club.

MEC Dugmore will present the donated bikes (or pledges of it) to MEC Ramatlakane and his department’s Bambanani volunteers for use in patrolling a cluster of schools and announce further support and partnerships with the project led by Mr Andrew Wheeldon. The BEN repairs donated bikes and gives them to needy causes.

The Pedal Power Association has called on all bicycle riders to support this initiative by riding to work on Friday 23 March. In a press statement, Karin Pohl of the association said: "There are some of us that ride to work every day. We enjoy it. We also believe that it makes the world a better place.

However, we also need to show the authorities that there exists a need for better cycling commuting facilities. By showing that there are many South Africans who would consider cycling to work, we'll be in a stronger position to lobby for Government support.

Even if you use your car a lot during the day, use your bike on Friday 23 March 2007. Do your closer errands that day and leave the ones that are further and which involves transporting heavy objects for another day."

ALL MEDIA ARE INVITED FOR PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES (Thursday 22 March)

07h00 - arrives at Rondebosch Boys’ High, Canigou Avenue

07h30 - arrives at Rustenberg Girls’ High, Camp Ground Road

08h00 - MEC and entourage departs for Cape Town along the Main Road (through Mowbray, Salt River and Woodstock)

FOR FURTHER COMMENT, call Andrew Wheeldon 0825989178; or Karen Pohl 082 856 2309.

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi:  082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.


Issued by:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689

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