By Charmaine Ndlela
The City of Johannesburg will host its fourth Cycling Awareness Ride on Sunday, 22 March, in Orange Farm, in celebration of Transport Month.
The initiative aims to promote road safety and encourage motorists and cyclists to share the road responsibly.
The event will start at Reamohetsoe Primary School in Ward 4 and will see cyclists ride approximately 27.8km along several routes through the community. The ride will begin at 7am and conclude at 2pm at the school.
The 27.8 km ride forms part of Transport Month and aims to promote safe cycling, road-sharing awareness, and sustainable transport across Johannesburg.
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The city will partner with organisations including Pedal Power, the AA, Ithuba Cycle Development, Jagga Cycle and the Road Accident Fund to promote safe cycling practices.
According to the city, the awareness ride has grown into a community-focused event that promotes cycling as an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transport while also strengthening social cohesion.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero, said the previous cycling awareness rides were successful in promoting healthier lifestyles and safer roads.
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“[We] continue to encourage cycling as a healthy and cheaper mode of transport as part of a strategy to decongest traffic, promote behavioural change and contribute towards the reduction of air pollution,” Morero said.
Cyclists will pass various community landmarks, including shopping malls, clinics, schools and multipurpose centres during the ride.
Water points will be available at the 10km and 20km marks, while backup vehicles, emergency services and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department will be deployed along the route to ensure participants’ safety.
MMC for Transport, Councillor Kenny Kunene, urged motorists to be more attentive on the roads following recent cyclist fatalities in the city.
“Recently the City of Johannesburg has witnessed tragic incidents in which four cyclists lost their lives due to negligent driving. We urge motorists to be more attentive and considerate toward all road users, particularly vulnerable groups such as pedestrians and cyclists,” Kunene said.
He also warned drivers against distractions and substance use while driving.
“Drivers should avoid using cell phones while driving as this distraction takes their attention away from the road and increases the risk of accidents. The use of intoxicating substances such as alcohol and drugs also significantly contributes to road crashes,” he said.
Kunene added that cyclists and pedestrians have every right to use the roadway and must be treated with respect by motorists.
The city said individuals and cycling teams are encouraged to participate in the ride. However, according to Cycling South Africa rules, children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to participate, and all cyclists must wear helmets.
