Bike by Night

WORDS and PHOTOS: Liani Van der Westhuizen

I’m a keen supporter of commuting by pedal power instead of petrol and was very excited to discover Cape Town’s moonlight-mass gathering. The occasion involves a get together of the city’s cycling community on the eve of every full moon for a leisurely bike ride by night; from Cape Town stadium, along the Seapoint promenade, ending in town for a well deserved nightcap. Not to be mistaken for a race, the happening offers anyone who can beg steal or borrow a bike for the night, the opportunity to partake in a relaxed ride where lycra attire isn’t required…(and might even be frowned at).

The most recent moonlight-mass attracted a crowd of over 900 riders. The next full moon presents itself on the 3^rd of July 2012 – if you are in the Mother City, come along and don’t forget to bring your bike with!

For those who aren’t night owls, there is a Cape Town mass ride on the last Friday morning of every month, and similar events are also taking place across the country.

Move over Copenhagen, one of these days a South African city will be the biking capital of the world!