Synonymous with tight bib shorts and jerseys, for years cycling was considered an expensive hobby enjoyed by a privileged few. Enter a trio of friends who make up the founding members of the Biking Bandits. The three devoted cyclists launched a grassroots cycling movement in the heart of Soweto born out of the isolation caused by Covid in 2020. Titi Mashele, Tebogo ‘Tebza’ Galagala and Tsatsi Rantsatsi started riding with a handful of friends and from this grew their desire to share their passion for cycling with the rest of the community. A labour of love is what Titi calls it. And they haven’t stopped pedalling since.

Not so long ago, urban cycling was big around Soweto, with brands such as Thesis Lifestyle, a local streetwear store and cultural hub for cyclists, playing a pivotal role. In fact, it is the very same spot where Tebza and Titi decided to open their bicycle shop. Throughout the neighbourhood, they’d noticed a marked decline in the number of recreational cyclists. “So we thought we should bring it back, especially in the area where we’re from, and resurrect that aspect of our existence and the lifestyle,” says Titi.

Since then, evening jaunts have become integral to the urban hip culture, bringing large numbers of young black riders to the township’s youthful lifestyle playground, Maboneng Precinct. As a result, the Biking Bandits movement has grown in size and offering. They now have three stores, one in Bryanston and two in Maboneng, which offer everything from sales and rentals to repairs and custom builds. For them, Biking Bandits isn’t just about hustling. “It’s a community. Without the community, there is no Biking Bandits; it’s just a name,” says Tsatsi. “We’re also using it as an ideas incubator. It’s not just about us,” Tsatsi adds. Titi agrees. “The intention is to get people to understand what cycling is about and how it can change lives.” The friends are determined to change people’s perception about black people cycling.