#Lockdown: Cyclists asked to stay off the roads
Pedal Power Association (PPA) requests all cyclists to adhere to the President’s call.
The Pedal Power Association (PPA), said to be South Africa’s largest cycling organisation with more than 12 000 active members, supports government’s call for a total lockdown.
“We know that cyclists are frustrated that they cannot take to the roads for the next three weeks, but as a nation we now need to stand together to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus at all costs,” explained Rens Rezelman, chairperson of the PPA.
“Keeping a social distance has now become a reality and for the next three weeks we all need to adhere to the urgent call from government to stop the spread of the virus,” Rens added.
Currently, the entire world is focused on the coronavirus pandemic and by Wednesday morning, 25 March, South Africa had a total of 709 confirmed cases.
“On Monday night, President Ramaphosa told the entire nation that South Africa will be under lockdown from midnight on 26 March until 16 April as an urgent precautionary step to combat the spread of the virus. It is important that all cyclists adhere to the President’s request, as this is our only hope to overcome the tragedy we are faced with.
“As avid cyclists, it is extremely frustrating to all of us not go cycling, but we all have a responsibility towards our families, friends and fellow South Africans to strictly adhere to the government’s call for a lockdown, which includes recreational outdoor sport, effective from Thursday evening at midnight. Please remember that all sport and recreational activities across the globe are effected by Covid-19 and we as cyclists just have to wait this one out.
“Government cannot make exceptions to the rule, and the PPA as an organisation cares about the health and safety of all cyclists. So please, take out your trainers and stay fit at home. Let’s stay off the roads and make a worthy contribution to winning the battle against this deadly virus,” Rezelman concluded.
