As a result of the ongoing positive effect of the programme within the communities it reaches, Engen has announced it is extending its support of this well received schools safety programme to now include the Eastern Cape. This launch will take place on Thursday 23 June, 2011 at Devos Malan Primary School, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Pupils from De Vos Malan Primary school during the Engen Safe Cycling Launch held at Devos Malan Primary School, Port Elizabeth on the 23 June 2011 Photo By Iky/SPORTZPICS
Since its inception in 2008, the Engen Safe Cycling programme has reached over 16 500 learners across Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape. Engen Group Sponsorship Manager, Brad Bergh says: ‘Safety on the roads is close to Engen’s heart and an area we strongly support as a caring corporate citizen. We are very happy to be involved with this important youth programme and its expansion across the country as the safety of all our young ones is every parent’s number one priority. We are truly pleased to see that educational institutions share our vision and thank all for their passionate participation and facilitating the spread of the safety message.’
Brad Bergh from Engen with ward counsellor Isaac Adam during the Engen Safe Cycling Launch held at Devos Malan Primary School, Port Elizabeth on the 23 June 2011 Photo By Iky/SPORTZPICS
The course, which accommodates approximately 15-45 learners at a time, is run during the school day as part of the Department of Education’s Life Orientation programme. The knowledge gained during this programme empowers participants to ride a bicycle safely on the road, perform basic maintenance on their bicycles, basic road safety as a cyclist or as a pedestrian while also giving them an insight into recreational and competitive cycling.
Wayne Kirby helps a pupil from Devos Malan primary school through the course during the Engen Safe Cycling Launch held at Devos Malan Primary School, Port Elizabethon the 23 June 2011 Photo By Iky/SPORTZPICS
The ‘Engen Safe Cycling Programme’, developed by the Life Cycle Academy (a not-for-profit organisation focused on uplifting children in marginalised areas of South Africa), uses cycling to ‘grow individuals and unleash their potential’. Sports based programmes are recognised as being an effective fire-starter for improved learning and outcomes of their participants and this safe cycling course is no exception.
Engen’s contribution to the aspect of safety amongst these young cyclists cannot be underestimated. There interaction with this programme is often the first time youngsters are exposed to the fact there are rules governing cycling. Furthermore, that there are also opportunities beyond the recreational side and which could expand their horizons into the sport of cycling, from Road Racing, Mountain Biking to BMX and even Trick Biking.
Aside from the sport aspect, cycling is one of the oldest forms of transport for many people across the economic divide and while the programme is currently focussing on primary school level, Engen appeals to the greater cycling community to take heed of the rules of the road and encourages all cyclists to regularly refresh their memory and skills.
Avoid Accidents – Cycle the Engen Way
Pupils and Staff of Engen safe cycling, Daryl Erasmus, Chevonne Borchards and Wayne Barros during the Engen Safe Cycling Launch held at Devos Malan Primary School, Port Elizabeth on the 23 June 2011 Photo By Iky/SPORTZPICS
