The Bicycle Portraits project was initiated by Stan Engelbrecht and Nic Grobler early in 2010. Whenever they can, together or separately, they’re on the lookout for fellow commuters, and people who use bicycles as part of their everyday work, to meet and photograph. They’re finding out who rides bicycles, why they ride bicycles, if and why they love their bicycles, and of course why so few South Africans choose bicycles as a transport option.
There is no specific range of questions asked, they’d rather just establish a conversation around the rider’s life and where his or her bicycle fits into it. Being avid cyclists themselves, this project is as much an investigation into South African bicycle culture as it is an excuse for them to ride their bikes and take photographs. Read more about this excellent project on their website.
This collection of stories from people of all ages and backgrounds across South Africa should inspire you to get on your bicycle in no time. One man bought his bicycle because of the recent train strikes, another uses his to deliver goods, some use theirs purely for enjoyment. One boy happily rides his bike without brakes!
We’d love to hear from you – do you use a bicycle? Do you commute to work, or cycle for pleasure? Send us photos of you and your bicycle and we’ll feature you on our Blog.
