Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Julian and hear the story behind Community Connect—a project that began as a simple idea to share bikes and has since evolved into a thriving, community-driven movement bringing together cyclists across Cape Town. Read on to discover how this unique initiative has opened new paths and connections, all thanks to the power of sharing.
“I want Community Connect to be completely independent of my personal involvement. It should be a project fully driven and sustained by the community itself.”
Community Connect: Bringing People Together on Two Wheels
When cinematographer and cyclist Julian Robinet started lending his bike to friends in South Africa, he didn’t anticipate the ripple effect it would create. What began as a practical solution while he traveled soon grew into something far more meaningful. Messages poured in from friends—and friends of friends—who had borrowed the bike, each one sharing their personal stories of memorable rides. Inspired by these responses, Julian envisioned a larger project: Community Connect, a network where bikes could be freely shared, opening up South Africa’s rugged landscapes to people of all backgrounds. The mission was simple yet powerful—to bring people together and expand their world, one ride at a time.
As Community Connect began to take shape, Julian’s next step was finding a way to expand the bike-sharing idea beyond just his own gear. While working on projects in Berlin, he visited Standert and casually mentioned his project idea to our founder Max. Intrigued by the unique community-focused concept, Standert soon became an unexpected but natural partner. After further discussions, Standert gradually became more involved, eventually offering more and more bikes to take back to South Africa and becoming an integral part of Community Connect’s journey as it grew.
"It’s Not a Bike Rental—It’s a Community"
Community Connect isn’t a rental service—it’s a community movement. Riders interested in borrowing a bike reach out through Instagram, sharing their plans for the ride. Whether it’s a gravel trip through the mountains, a city tour, or a coastal bikepacking adventure, each participant treats the bike as their own and shares their experience back with the community afterward. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility, where everyone—from first-timers to seasoned cyclists—plays a role in sustaining the project.
The initiative’s strength lies in its trust-based model: bikes stay in rotation within the community, often handed off directly between riders. Each trip isn’t just about the ride; it’s about learning, connecting, and sharing with others.
Stories on the Road: Community Rides and New Friendships
A key feature of Community Connect is the regular gravel ride, where the community comes together to explore South Africa’s striking trails. What began with a few friends has grown into rides attended by sometimes over 60 cyclists. These gatherings foster genuine connections, with many riders forming their own smaller groups and staying in touch beyond the event.
One participant, Laz, joined at a very early stage when community connect had just landed. His passion for cycling and the project soon made him a core part of the Community Connect family, helping attract more riders. With riders like Laz, every outing becomes more than just a journey; it reflects the project’s core values: access, community, and the joy of shared experiences.
"It’s About the People Behind the Rides"
For Julian, the most rewarding part of Community Connect is watching the connections unfold. “It’s not just about cycling—it’s about bringing people together who might never cross paths otherwise,” he shares. What started as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful network where friendships form over shared rides and stories. Seeing the group’s growth has been inspiring; every ride showcases a unique mix of personalities and passions, each one adding to the spirit of the project. As Julian says, “A bike can open new worlds,” and for Community Connect riders, those worlds are always just a pedal away.
