We are launching a second iteration of the #Bike2Train Challenge in September, giving train users at Fish Hoek station an opportunity to include cycling in their commute this spring. During our first iteration, in Kuils River, all the participants cycled to the station at least four days per week, which meant they received 70% cash back!
Here’s how it works. With the support of BEN Bikes and the Pedal Power Association (PPA), we are making #Bike4All bicycles and safety gear (helmet, bike lock, bike light) available. If you want to take part, a deposit of R699 will be required. If you complete the challenge, you will receive up to 70% cash back. You must cycle at least twice a week for six weeks, to and from the Fish Hoek station.
The #Bike2Train Challenge is part of the AtoB Challenge, in collaboration with the WWF Nedbank Green Trust. If you live in the Fish Hoek/Masiphumelele/Ocean View area, it will give you an opportunity to rediscover rail and discover the joys of cycling.
This is a great area for the second challenge as there is already an existing interest in cycling. Five people are already cycling to Fish Hoek Station every day, locking their bicycles up at the station’s bicycle parking. In addition, there are Bicycling Empowerment Centres in both Masiphumelele and Ocean View, where people can buy bicycles and cyclists can have their bicycles repaired.
We want to help people consider the benefits of saving time, money, reducing carbon emissions and improving their health that cycling brings. So we are inviting train users to take part in a six-week challenge where they will cycle to the station in the morning (and then back home again in the evening) at least twice a week.
There are three milestones in the challenge. Each has a greater cash-back reward.
- Cycle twice a week = 12 days in total = 30% cash back
- Cycle three times a week = 18 days in total = 50% cash back
- Cycle more than four times a week = 25 days or more in total = 70% cash back
Participants will record their experience of getting to and from the station, documenting the opportunities and barriers that arise on their journey, on social media and through other mediums. We will have rewards, like coffee, for participants who reach certain milestones.
Interested in taking part?
If you commute by train from Fish Hoek Station on a daily basis and would like to know more about becoming a participant, email campaigns@openstreets.co.za, or call or WhatsApp 072 601 1013.
This content was made possible through the support of the WWF Nedbank Green Trust.
