PPA and City of Joburg to host safe cycling awareness ride
“Cyclists on our roads are extremely vulnerable and we spend millions to create awareness amongst other road users to recognize cyclists as road users," - Neil Robinson
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) will host a safe cycling awareness ride in partnership with the City of Joburg (CoJ) on October 6.
The event starts at 08:00 from Metro Park in Braamfontein, in celebration of Transport Month. It covers a 25km route along some of Joburg’s most scenic and iconic roads and sites with the assistance of JMPD and back-up vehicles.
“Not too long ago, cycling was a niche sport, and the industry comprised a handful of retailers selling a narrow range of bike brands and specialist gear,” said PPA CEO Neil Robinson.
“Today, it’s the largest participation sport in South Africa. Events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Ride Joburg draw a surfeit of entries, and the race calendar is expanding all over the country.”
Robinson said the safety of cyclists on our roads is a major concern to the PPA and hosting an awareness ride such as this focuses on the dangers cyclists face on the roads in our large cities.
“While sports cycling dominates the cycling scene, things are starting to shift with the commuter culture seeing a groundswell of interest due to financial constraints people are faced with daily.
“The PPA encourages cycling as a means of daily transport or as an option to stay healthy, as it is affordable and good for the environment but in South Africa, we need more safety measures in place for cyclists,” explained Robinson.
“Cyclists on our roads are extremely vulnerable and we spend millions to create awareness amongst other road users to recognise cyclists as road users.
In partnership with the Road Accident Fund, the PPA distributes thousands of reflective bibs, lights, and helmets to commuting cyclists throughout South Africa. We also host regular awareness rides in most provinces as a visual gesture to other road users to share the roads with vulnerable road users such as cyclists.”
The CEO invited cyclists to join them to ride for safer roads in Joburg.
“All cyclists participating in the ride will receive some safety items and a free cup of coffee afterwards.
“Please note it is an awareness ride and we will follow a steady pace adhering to the road rules. Everyone must wear a helmet for the 25km ride from Braamfontein, past the SABC towards Emmarentia, Zoo Lake, Westcliff and back.
“There will be water points along the route as well. A huge thank you to the CoJ for providing traffic and emergency services,” Robinson concluded.
