The Pedal Power Association, is hosting a Safe Cycling Awareness Ride, starting from the Grass Roof Restaurant in Lovemore Park at 6h45 for 7h00 on Saturday 19 February. Everyone is welcome to join us for the 26.6km ride and enjoy a free cup of coffee afterwards.
The PPA has supported cyclists for over 40 years and as one of South Africa’s largest cycling organisations, we uphold the rights of cyclists and a vision of a “ Cycling South Africa”, where the safety and security of cyclists in all communities are ensured.
After the ride, the PPA together with the cyclists of Gqeberha, will hand over a letter to the MCC Safety and Security of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mr Lawrence Troon, outlining concerns and providing recommendations to improve the safety of cyclists in and around Gqeberha and to address the lack of prosecution of offenders in related cycling cases throughout the province.
“We have during the past few years noticed a growing intolerance between motorists and cyclists coupled with an increasing trend of lawlessness amongst road users, which threatens the safety of cyclists across South Africa, says chairman of the PPA, Steve Hayward. “Cyclists are taxpayers, contributing members of the community and family members, so each serious injury or death is an unnecessary one, which we believe can be avoided. We also want to see the successful prosecution of drivers who are responsible for fatal and serious crashes throughout South Africa. Cyclists lives do matter,” says Steve Hayward, chairman of the PPA.
“We are asking motorists, cyclists and all other road users alike, to modify their behaviour and do the right thing by obeying the rules of the road as a behaviour shift is the only sustainable and cost- effective way to make the roads safer. When traffic laws are broken and criminal charges laid, we need a zero tolerance approach from the authorities,” says Hayward. Please note, that this is an awareness ride not a race, so the pace will be slow to accommodate all cyclists who want to join us. We shall follow the rules of the road and provide a backup vehicle and emergency services and have a safety briefing at 7h45.
Prior to The Herald Cycle Tour which is hosted on Sunday 20 February, the PPA will conduct commuter reflective bib handouts in Walmer Estate in conjunction with the RAF, whose generous sponsorship allows us to keep cyclists visible and safe on the roads. Sticker handouts to motorists, asking them to Stay Wider of the Rider, have also been arranged along roads frequently used by cyclists.
For more details on the ride kindly visit our website www.pedalpower.org.za and social media or send an email to info@pedalpower.org.za
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