In the midst of gang violence and drug abuse in Cape Town, Hanover Park Bicycles for Change (HPBFC) has taken on a unique mission to create a safer environment. By offering constructive alternatives to gangsterism and drugs, particularly for the younger generation, the initiative is steering the community towards a brighter future.
A Story of Inspiration
The HPBFC project began during the lockdown period when Shaun Weitz, a former gangster who lost his son to gang violence, made a conscious decision to change his life. Weitz started building bicycles from spare parts he collected from a nearby scrap yard. His thoughtful gesture of gifting bicycles to local children eventually led to the formation of a new “gang” built on camaraderie, support, and a shared love for cycling.
Empowering the Youth
HPBFC primarily focuses on empowering the youth, but the club welcomes members of all ages. Participants have the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike, engage in group rides, and acquire valuable skills in bicycle maintenance and repair.
Community Support
The initiative quickly caught the attention of officials involved in the Community Development Worker (CDW) program, who stepped in to lend their support. The Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town donated bicycles and tools worth R61,000 in February 2022. This contribution, along with the backing of other independent organizations, has significantly helped to promote a vibrant cycling culture within the area.
Extending Reach Beyond Cycling
The success of HPBFC goes beyond cycling. Using funds obtained from bicycle repairs, the club established a soup kitchen for the needy. According to Alderman Grant Twigg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, HPBFC has fostered a strong sense of unity and provided the youth with a safe space, preventing them from seeking refuge in gang and drug culture.
Future Plans
The City of Cape Town has expressed its intention to continue supporting HPBFC in the upcoming financial years, enabling more children to benefit from the program. The club encourages local residents and organizations to contribute through sponsorships.
Hanover Park Bicycles for Change is an inspiration for communities struggling with adversity. Through cycling, the initiative has instilled values of teamwork, self-discipline, and perseverance in its members, while steering them away from the perils of gangsterism and substance abuse. HPBFC’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering human spirit, proving that change is always within reach if one has the courage to pedal against the tide.
