Cyclists who travel to and from work before sunrise or after dark need more than a reliable bicycle to get home safely.
For commuters who cannot afford basic safety equipment, a helmet, working light or reflective gear can make a difference.

Michelle Smish, who runs The Chain Gang MTB Club in Chartwell, is preparing to bring back the club’s annual safety gear handout after last year’s campaign highlighted the need among commuters.

“We said at the end of the handout last year that we would like this to become a regular event,” said Smish. “We learnt that so many commuters don’t have the basic safety gear that is necessary for safe commuting.”

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The club is collecting pre-loved cycling equipment in good condition, including helmets, gloves, cycling shoes, water bottles, lights and reflectors.

Trail Wolf Cycles at Taroko Trail Park has partnered with the campaign and has already donated equipment. The Bicycle Shop also hopes to contribute by helping commuters with basic bicycle maintenance.

Residents who want to contribute can donate suitable equipment through a collection bin planned for Trail Wolf Cycles. A second drop-off point at Steyn City School is also being explored. The club is turning to crowdfunding to purchase additional equipment that donated items may not cover.

Through a BackaBuddy campaign, the organisers hope to raise sufficient funds to buy safety vests, gloves and, if needed, helmets. Any additional funds will go towards reflectors and lights to help cyclists remain visible on the roads.

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“We hope to raise a minimum of R5 000,” said Smish, explaining that many commuters travel during the early hours of the morning or late in the evening to get home to their families. The initiative also aims to spread some festive cheer. Last year’s handout included coffee, pancakes and food parcels alongside the cycling equipment.

The venue and date for this year’s handout are still being finalised, but Smish encouraged residents to get involved through donations and support for the campaign. With the club hoping to make the initiative a regular event, the focus remains on helping commuters access equipment that could make their daily journeys safer.

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