Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi handed over 200 bicycles to Reiger Park schools as part of the Shovakalula Bicycle Project.
The handover took place at the Oosrand Secondary School on January 31.
In attendance were the officials of the Boksburg Correctional Services, Reiger Park SAPS, EMPD, Department of Education and the pastors.
Bicycles beneficiaries were learners from GoedeHoop Primary School, Oosrand Secondary School, Lakeside Primary School, Drommedaris Primary School, Reiger Park Secondary and Primary schools.
From the 200 donated bicycles, each school will be allocated a certain number of bicycles for their learners.
The project is a national initiative by the Department of Transport which seeks to provide ease of mobility to learners walking more than three kilometres between home and school.
Speaking to the learners and parents from the beneficiary schools, Ismail Vadi said the department was trying to prevent learners from having to walk three or four kilometres carrying heavy bags, and the exhaustion this might induce, and so prevent them from concentrating
“The department wants to promote cycling not only to learners but to adults. We encourage learners to have a cycling club in schools to keep them fit and occupied on weekends.
“I want you to enjoy your bicycles, but be alert on the roads by complying with road safety rules,” Vadi said.
Oosrand Secondary principal Lincoln van Ross and chairperson of the principal forum said the community they serve is impoverished. With a high rate of unemployment, they find it difficult to afford transport fees.
“Many of our learners walk to school and some have to walk for (a distance) of 15 kilometres to come to school which is a very tiring journey.
“We appreciate the helping hand from the department as these bicycles will help the learners to get to school on time,” he said.
Van Ross encouraged the learners to take good care of the bicycles and to make good use of them.
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