Riding bicycles to school fights climate change

There will be no more walking long distances or carbon emissions for 50 learners in Mamelodi and Nellmapius.

This was after they received a life-changing donation of 50 bicycles to help them get to and from school more easily.

Learners from five primary schools received the bicycles that were donated as part of a joint six months educational programme organised by Tshwane metro’s environmental care and Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, aimed at raising awareness about climate change and carbon emissions.

“We wanted to encourage learners to use bicycles to go to school instead of cars,” said Thabo Kgotsi of Thandanani.

“Carbon emissions cause climate change. Teaching learners at an early age to use bicycles as transport will make a huge difference,” said Kgotsi.

Each school received 10 bicycles.

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Four of the schools were from Mamelodi (Zakhele, Mononong, Motheo and Sindawonye primary schools) and one Nellmapius primary school.

Tshwane metro environmental care donated 25 of the bicycles and Tears Joints donated the other 25 bicycles.

“Our mandated duties are not only limited to empower learners with food gardens for healthy nutritional meals, caring for their environment, recycling and being warriors in the battle against global warming, but we are also promoting fewer carbon emissions by cycling and leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Riding bicycles to go to school was also good for their health as they will keep fit at all times.

“The bicycles were donated with safety gear. We also received recycling bins set to be donated to the five schools,” he said.

The six months programme also promoted organic food and encouraged learners to start food gardens at their homes.

Kgotsi further said they already identified five families they will help with their own food garden.

Good health is not only the absence of diseases or sickness but a complete state of mental, emotional and social well-being.

“With many learners lacking affordable and reliable transportation to and from school, what better alternative is there than bicycles? Not only to promote fewer carbon emissions and healthy living but also to breed future cycling champions.

“We are hoping more donors will see the potential in this programme and lend a helping hand,” said Kgotsi.

He added that they would love to see the day when everything is in its place, the gardens flourish and the children reaping what they have sown, “bicycles clubs around our community and a full recycling system”.

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