Having lived in Bezuidenhout for almost 15 years, I don’t really count myself as an expat, until it comes to cycling. It was only when my son started cycling lessons at school that I finally got back on the saddle and realised what I had been missing out on for years! Bezuidenhout has a range of bike shops catering for all tastes and small maintenance workshops are dotted around in side streets where you might least expect them.
Van Woerden Tweewielers is one of the oldest family run businesses in Theresiastraat, having started in 1953. With people needing reliable transport, but money being tight after the war, van Woerden Senior started renting out mopeds. The distinctive bicycle shop on the corner of the Spaarwaterveld is now run by John and his son Robin. They told me that they have many expat customers and had this practical advice for newcomers looking to start cycling:
- When choosing a bike, look for something that is the right size for your build
- Make regular bike maintenance a routine- inflate tyres monthly, and tighten and grease the chain every 2-3 months
- Service your bike regularly with a bike specialist- prevention is always better than cure.
- Invest in strong locks and chain your bike to a post or tree.
- Choose a quiet area to start – Meijendel and Clingendael are perfect cycling spots!
With the arrival of Spring it’s a perfect opportunity to make the most of our beautiful neighbourhood and if you are not sure if cycling is for you, why not rent a bike from Van Woerden or at an OV point?
Lorraine – Expat Bezuidenhout News