{"id":26914,"date":"2014-01-09T17:34:34","date_gmt":"2014-01-09T15:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/2014\/01\/launch-of-port-elizabeths-safer-cycling-campaign\/"},"modified":"2014-01-09T17:34:34","modified_gmt":"2014-01-09T15:34:34","slug":"launch-of-port-elizabeths-safer-cycling-campaign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/launch-of-port-elizabeths-safer-cycling-campaign\/","title":{"rendered":"Launch of Port Elizabeth\u2019s safer cycling campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Herald<\/a> VW Cycle Tour has joined forces with the Pedal Power Association to promote \u201cSafe Cycling\u201d on the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay.<\/p>\n

The Eastern Cape leg of the national awareness and lobbying campaign, which encourages motorists to keep a 1.5-metre distance from cyclists, was launched in Port Elizabeth<\/a> this week.<\/p>\n

According to The Herald\u2019s chief marketing officer Justin Peel, creating a safe cycling environment is critical for both cyclists and motorists alike.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough this campaign, the Pedal Power Association is doing a phenomenal job in highlighting this worthy cause.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are extremely proud to be able to partner with and support this worthwhile initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peel said an eye-catching 10-metre billboard had been erected on the corner of Strandfontein Road and La Roche Drive in Port Elizabeth, as well as on the outgoing road towards Uitenhage.<\/p>\n

The core message of \u201ccyclists stay alive at 1.5m\u201d will be reiterated on lamp-pole advertising on major cycling routes throughout the city.<\/p>\n

PPA chairman Stephen Hayward said the recommended distance was in line with international best practice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we\u2019re trying to do is make motorists more aware of cyclists. It\u2019s a matter of tolerance; we\u2019re not trying to force it down anyone\u2019s throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hayward said the Western Cape became the first provincial government to sign it into law in November last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve only given us one metre but that\u2019s the first step. That means that anyone who hits a cyclist in that province is now going to face the full wrath of the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said the Eastern Cape event, which takes place in Addo<\/a> and PE on February 1 and 2, provided the ideal platform for launching their national lobbying campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we can get every province to do what the Western Cape has done, it will go a long way in saving lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur plan is to take part in road races in every province and to hold a memorial ride ahead of each race in memory of those cyclists who have died.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u201cSafe Cycling\u201d campaign, which was first launched in February 2012, gained nationwide momentum after mountain biking champion Burry Stander was killed during a training ride on January 3 last year.<\/p>\n

Hayward said the cause was also personal to him, as his brother-in-law had been knocked down and killed while out training in PE. He said the date for the local memorial ride had not yet been finalised.<\/p>\n

He encouraged participants to order their branded cycling shirts from the PPA website to create maximum visibility on race day.<\/p>\n

In addition, all cycle tour participants will receive free vehicle bumper stickers in their goodie bags.<\/p>\n

Among the goodie bag items will be a full-colour souvenir race booklet, courtesy of official printing sponsor Bukani Print.<\/p>\n

Managing director Iqbal Sain said the company was proud of its long-standing relationship with the weekend festival of cycling.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur participation is part of our commitment and social responsibility to the environment in which we operate our business and raise our families.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both avid sportsmen and runners, Sain and business partner Alan Taylor had thrown their weight behind the safety campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur involvement in a number of sporting events over the years has been a big part of the culture we encourage at Bukani<\/a>. We aspire for PE to be a chosen destination for many more sporting events.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sain said printed communications \u2013 which included posters, flyers and entry forms \u2013 still played an essential role in the event.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust imagine telling participating cyclists to view their medals electronically!<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a booklet, like a medal, acts as a memento and adds that human touch which society in general is sadly learning to do without.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"HCT<\/a><\/p>\n

The Herald VW Cycle Tour has joined forces with the Pedal Power Association to promote \u201cSafe Cycling\u201d on the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay. Avid sportsmen Iqbal Sain (left) and Alan Taylor, whose company Bukani Print sponsors the marketing material for the cycling event, are seen here at the Strandfontein Road billboard. Photo: Full Stop Communications<\/p>\n

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