Cyclists ask for safer roads, tighter laws
Cyclists from all over are invited to attend a Memorial Ride on Saturday in Gauteng.
Cyclists are invited to attend a Memorial Ride on Saturday, 22 July in Gauteng hosted by the Pedal Power Association (PPA).
The riders will pedal approximately 28km from Bryanston to Sandton where a letter voicing concerns regarding the safety of cyclists on the roads, the need for a law to protect cyclists in Gauteng through a minimum passing distance, and discontent with the lack of prosecution in respect of hit-and-run incidents involving cyclists, will be delivered to the MEC of Transport in Gauteng.
The recent death of Cycle Lab Fourways club member, Greg Anderson, in a hit-and-run incident in Hazyview, has left the cycling fraternity in shock.
“Greg was a humble gentleman off the bike and a real racer on it. He lived to cycle and will be sorely missed by many,” said Andrew McLean, well-known cyclist from Cycle Lab Fourways.
“The Pedal Power Association takes the safety of all cyclists on our roads very seriously. The organisation has invested millions in our safe cycling ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ campaign in order to try and secure safer roads and better conditions for cyclists throughout South Africa,” said Robert Vogel, PPA CEO.
“The bicycle is a legal form of transport. For many people, the bicycle is their only affordable means of transport, while for others the bicycle provides a way to keep fit and healthy.
We advocate tolerance and respect between all road users. Motorists are sheltered within their cars, but cyclists have no similar protection and are infinitely more vulnerable. We’d like to see that all cyclists – from sports cyclists to utility cyclists and kids riding to school – can safely use our roads.”
The Memorial Ride will start at 7.45am from the PWC Bike Park, 1A Libertas Street, Bryanston and has been organised in conjunction with Cycle Lab Fourways.
All road rules will apply during the Ride. Please wear a ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ cycling jersey, should you have one. These will also be jerseys on sale on the day. The first 200 riders who arrive in the morning will get free coffee from Vida.
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