UCT declares 9 to 15 March 'Cycling Week'

Thanks to an initiative from the University of Cape Town's 80-member strong cycling club, the university has declared the week of 9 to 15 March UCT Cycling Week. With the Cape Town Cycle Tour ride of solidarity still fresh in our minds, UCT students will be made aware of the importance of exercise as part of a balanced student life throughout the week.

"UCT Properties and Services department are also working towards making UCT more cycling-friendly with bicycle lanes being painted and safe areas being created where bicycles can be kept during the day," says Kylie Hatton, Deputy Director for Marketing and Communications at UCT. "Sustainable transport is one of the main focus areas for making UCT a more sustainable campus and this week will serve as an impetus to make students aware of the advantages of cycling."

Two competitions

Students are invited to take part in two competitions during the week. From Monday to Friday (9 to 13 March) they will be prompted on social media to find a lost bike on campus, take a picture of it and email it to socialmedia@uct.co.za. A strange looking bicycle might pop up at unexpected places on campus, so students need to be looking out for a bike that will definitely not make it to the start of a cycling race.

On Thursday, 12 March from 12h00 to 14h00 students can test their fitness during lunch hour on Jammie Plaza when they will compete against each other on stationary Jammie bikes to see who can ride the fastest 1km. Five stationary Jammie bikes will be on the Plaza and the Cycling Club will have reliable and honest timekeepers to ensure the competition is fair. The winner, as well as the 2nd and 3rd place positions will be announced at 14h00.

For both competitions the winner walks away with a pair of Oakley sunglasses and the 2nd and 3rd place will each receive a Jammie Bike rent free for one year!

Then of course, the highlight of UCT Cycling Week is on Sunday, 15 March, when UCT will play first-time host to the Absa Cape Epic Prologue taking place on the rugby fields from 06h45 until 13h30. Students are urged to come and watch this premier mountain bike race, coined the Tour de France of mountain biking. There will be a special UCT student chill area at the bottom of Jammie Steps. Come join in the fun.

For more information contact Petro Mostert at petro.mostert@uct.ac.za or 082 334 6193.