Pedal Power Association’s (PPA) national initiative, #CyclistsLivesMatter, aims to create awareness around the lack of prosecution of offenders responsible for fatal and serious collisions involving cyclists on SA roads.

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Set to be held on March 5, the launch will start at 09:00 at Valverde Eco Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind.

PPA, one of SA’s largest cycling organisations, has supported cyclists for over 40 years and upholds the vision of a Cycling South Africa.

On March 5 PPA, Cycle Lab and cycling clubs across Gauteng will pay their respects to the family of the late André Piehl.

In February national media reported that Piehl and a fellow cyclist Je’an du Preez were struck by a motorist while cycling in Lanseria earlier this year.

PPA asked all cyclists who attend the event to take a selfie in front of a #CyclistsLivesMatter media wall, after completing their cycle loop and post it online, using the hashtag #CyclistsLivesMatter.

Campaign m0anager for Safe Cycling Liz Heydra said dignitaries from national government, prominent role players and members of the media, were invited to discuss concerns and provide recommendations to improve the safety of cyclists in SA and address the lack of prosecution of offenders in related cycling cases.

“We invite all cyclists to participate and show their support for the campaign,” said PPA chairperson Steve Hayward.

“During the past few years, we have noticed a growing intolerance between motorists and cyclists coupled with an increasing trend of lawlessness among road users, which threatens the safety of cyclists across SA,” said 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.”

Hayward said PPA would like to see the successful prosecution of drivers responsible for fatal and serious crashes throughout SA.

“We also call on all cyclists to continue to respect the law and abide by the relevant legislation,” said Hayward.
Heydra said the #CyclistsLivesMatter campaign will be extended to other major cycling events and wherever rides are hosted in SA

Cycle Lab co-owner Andrew McLean confirmed that #CyclistsLivesMatter media walls will be placed in their five stores countrywide.

Cyclists participating in the 2022 Cape Town Cycle Tour will be able to take a #CyclistsLivesMatter selfie to support the campaign at registration and the finish line of the cycle tour.

On the Saturday before the Cape Town Cycle Tour, PPA will host an opportunity for cyclists to take selfies on Chapman’s Peak Drive between 07:00 and 09:00.