Wayne Kirby - LCA's national manager for the Engen Safe Cycing Program

Getting to know Wayne:

I was born in Cape Town on 24 June 1965.

I currently live in Bonteheuwel, a suburb of Cape Town.

I am married to Edwina Kirby. We have two sons; Byron (22) and Kerwan (17).

I love cycling because it gives me the opportunity to meet a wide range of people.

I used to cycle, socially, as a teenager - mostly to the beach and back and to stay out of trouble.

I never competed competitively because of the policies of the past that excluded members of certain races from formal participation in the sport.

I have an interest in, and passion for, uplifting the youth in my community. When I'm not working for the LCA, I'm busy with youth programmes (I've started a youth leaders forum with the help of God in my community). I am also actively involved with rugby and cricket coaching in the respective seasons. When I'm not busy with the above, my wife and I support the needy in our community and in squatter camps.

I love being outdoors with my family and being involved in sport (also rugby and cricket).

Before joining the LCA I worked at the PPA as the logistics manager and was also involved in development.

There is no such thing as a typical day at the LCA. My main focus is on rolling out the Engen Safe Cycling program to primary schools and facilitating and coordinating the program locally and nationally. I also spend time engaging with principals and various stakeholders.

My focus is not on training, but rather on empowering primary school learners to keep themselves safe on the roads and our current target is 2500 learners per year per province (three provinces).

Some of the challenges we face are weather and the demand for the program to be rolled out to more schools in a shorter period of time.

Cycling is new to many children so it's important to highlight the benefits and show how cycling can improve their lifestyle through discipline and ethics.

The best part of my job is having the opportunity to make a difference by moulding children's lives to the positive side of life.

I am inspired by Jesus Christ and His love for people.

The best advice I've ever received is from my grandmother. She always used to tell me to give God a chance in my life.

I'd like to become more patient, less short-tempered and more forgiving. My aim is to be proactive and a step ahead of a potential challenge.

I always pray for wisdom and understanding.

My message to the youth is: "There is hope, life owes you nothing, and life is what you make of it. Do not let the circumstances around you determine your destiny."

My wish is that the LCA is given the support it needs to extend its programs to more communities so more youth can benefit.

Profile date: October 2009