The Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) was launched in Cape Town on 7 February 2002. BEN promotes the use of bicycles in order to address low-cost mobility, health and access to opportunity, employment, skills and education.

The main mission of the Bicycling Empowerment Network is one of poverty alleviation through the promotion of environmentally sustainable transport via the bicycle so as to enhance low-cost, non-motorised, transport and improve health through linking exercise and mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project will particularly address the following priority: "Modal shifts to more efficient and less polluting forms of public and freight transport through measures such as traffic management and avoidance and increased use of cleaner fuels." Specifically, the project will promote integrated transport solutions with other motorised and non-motorised options.

BEN's project aims:

- importing bikes and establishing BEN Bicycle Project workshops
- lobbying and advocacy for safe bike path networks
- training & distributing in schools, corporate organisations and NGOs
- cycle skills & fitness clinics
- cycle tours & tourism training
- forging partnerships with other role players
- alleviating poverty
- policy change
- society building