Street Friends is a revitalisation of Mangrove and Mangrove Street. Mangrove was a restaurant and café known for being a space for creatives, activists, and for establishing a cycling community in the city's heart. Mangrove Street was a clothing store that showcased local streetwear brands, and hosted street culture events. When Mangrove and Mangrove Street closed in October 2022, Street Friends picked up the baton and continued the tradition of Sunday morning bike rides to cater to its community and beyond.
At Street Friends, the main goal is to get people on bicycles, creating a diverse community. Itumeleng Kwenda better known as Maestro, the brains behind Street Friends, describes the culture as a mix of therapy and city exploration on two wheels. This was evident during the ride, which attracted a wide range of participants with varying levels of experience. Some brought their own bikes, but don't worry if you don't have one as bike and helmet rentals are available for R200.
Maestro is excited about spreading the joy of cycling, “We're proud to be part of the cycling culture, especially here in Joburg. We've even received compliments from our friends in Cape Town, which keeps us motivated. Of course, we still need to remind motorists to respect our cycling lanes and not use them for parking. We're also hoping for more public bike rack stands so cyclists can securely lock up their bikes.”
"With cycling, you feel every uphill, get to know most of the street names, and end up making new friends on the street – street vendors, car guards, taxi drivers, homeless people." – Maestro, founder of Street Friends.
Street Friends plans its routes based on activities, with curated rides to explore art galleries, outdoor parks, swimming pools, restaurants, brunch spots, and coffee shops throughout the city. With rides taking place every Sunday, Street Friends bike rides are affectionately nicknamed "Sunday Service." Maestro explains, “Everyone reserves that one given day of the week; we gather at one venue on time with all our bikes. Sundays are known as a religious day, and we have created such a space for cyclists in Joburg.”
Rooted in a strong sense of community, Maestro is never alone on this journey. He's backed by a passionate and dedicated team, including Richard Ndimande, James Ndeda, Kagiso Morkae, Mpho Mampuru, December Makgonye, Bandile Mthiyane, Sibusiso Dube, Thabang Gaolefeloe, and Buchule Flepisi among others. Cheeky's (formerly Mangrove) serves as the faithful home base of Street Friends, while the support from brands like Jack Black Brewing Co., and Monster Energy, also plays a crucial role in fuelling its mission.
After trying on bikes and gearing up, and with some rules and words of encouragement from Maestro, we were ready to hit the road. Travelling via Juta Street, we encountered an unexpected uphill climb, flexing muscles we hadn’t worked in years, but it was nonetheless fun. The group split into two: one took the scenic route via the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and the other chose a quicker, but more colourful and chaotic path through the City Centre. We took a breather to support the less experienced riders (including ourselves). Although trailing behind a bit, we felt secure thanks to the marshals. Marshals are seasoned riders who have been with Street Friends for a long time; they block cars for the group, and ensure nobody falls behind. As Maestro wisely points out, "It's never a race; it's a social ride."
After everyone regrouped, we explored the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG), taking in the exhibitions on show, such as Tatenda Magaisa’s It wearies me; you say it wearies you. This captivating display mixed paintings, digital videos, and thought-provoking text about fatigue, overwhelm, sanity, and humour, all characterised by the colour pink, which was even brightly featured on the walls of JAG. Another exhibition that caught our attention was Nama Kgapeletswa E Phuma Pitsa by artist Vusi Beauchamp, which delves into, and affirms the relevance of, ceramic art in contemporary society.
The cycle back to Cheeky’s was swift, and we soon found ourselves at home base with a cool beer in hand. Some of us then ordered lunch and engaged in post-cycle chats and games like Jenga, Connect 4, and an always competitive and heated game of 30 Seconds.
Our ride with Street Friends was not just a journey through the streets of Johannesburg, but also a testament to the power of community and the joys of cycling. From the camaraderie among riders to the unpredictable routes and cultural stops, making for memorable moments. Maestro remarks, "With cycling, there's alleyways with graffiti. You feel every uphill, you get to know most of the street names, and you end up making new friends on the street – street vendors, car parking guards, taxi drivers, homeless people. People get to know you in the streets, always passing through on a bicycle."
Street Friends helps fosters connections, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and showcases the vibrant spirit of our city. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the streets of Johannesburg, while getting in a workout and meeting new people, this may be it.
For more information on rides, check out Street Friends Instagram.
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