WATCH: Freedom Ride turns Joburg into cyclist haven
JOBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau led from the front as the City hosted the fourth edition of the 27km Freedom Ride in Sandton.
The ride saw about 4 000 cyclists from across Johannesburg and beyond, ride the 27km in celebration of the memory of Nelson Mandela. The ride forms part of the month-long 2015 Ecomobility Festival currently underway in Sandton.
Tau encouraged Johannesburg residents to switch their mode of mobility to cycling as it has health benefits that could help keep chronic disease and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and obesity at bay.
The ride started at 7am on Rivonia Road, and cyclists proceeded to Hillbrow, then Yeoville and back to Sandton via Louis Botha Avenue.
City of Johannesburg events director, Bongi Mokaba said, “The aim of the Freedom Ride is to celebrate freedom of the streets and promote cycling, healthy lifestyles and recreation.”
According to the organisers, only five minor incidents were reported, but those involved courageously patched up and continued the race.
Kyle Tyson, one of the young emerging local cyclists who also took part in the race said, “The ride was good and the one downhill was really amazing. This is the first ride I am doing with a friend and it’s so much easier.”
WATCH: Kyle Tyson who takes part in the fourth edition of the Freedom Ride:
