An estimated 7 500 Joburgers turned out for the Freedom Ride between Sandton and Alexandra on Sunday, 22 March – about 1 500 more than the number of riders who took part in last year’s event.
Cyclists of all ages, abilities and fitness levelsCyclists of all ages, abilities and fitness levels took part in the Freedom Ride. (Photo: www.freedomride.co.za)Sandton was turned into a kaleidoscope of colours as cyclists of all shapes and cycling abilities swarmed the Gautrain station for the start of the 27-kilometre fun race which marked the culmination of Cycle Jozi Week.
Straddled in their equally colourful bicycles, tricycles and electric bikes, the cyclists put a smile on the face of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Parks Tau as he prepared to lead his team in the ride from Sandton and back via Alexandra Township, Parktown and Rosebank.
Mayor Tau, a keen cyclist himself, has been leading the charge to promote cycling and walking as viable alternatives to motorised transport, and as effective ways of easing traffic congestion, reducing the city’s carbon footprint, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
After greeting and thanking the throngs of riders for coming, the Mayor – clad in his City of Joburg white, gold and black colours – got the Ride under way. While a sore knee forced him to pull out on his way back from Alexandra, he was happy to see so many Johannesburg residents taking part in the race.
“The success of this Freedom Ride reflects the growing enthusiasm for cycling among Joburg residents and it bodes well for the Eco-Mobility World Festival in Sandton in October,” he said.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Christine Walters said she was happy that all the hard work was paying off. “People came out in huge numbers to participate and to support the cyclists. What is beautiful is that now the City, business, the cycling community and activists are all working together.
“Cycling is increasingly becoming a way of life,” Walters said, noting that 60 kilometres of dedicated cycling lanes had already been built in and around Johannesburg. “Non-motorised transport is the future. It will also help us address the carnage on our roads.”
Muhammed Suleman, organiser of Jozi Cycle Week, said it was “a perfect day to cycle through the City and the experience of riding through Alexandra was phenomenal. The community came out to cheer us on. All the riders in our group were overwhelmed by the community’s support and a powerful feeling of community spirit. Cycling in Joburg is safe and accessible to all,” he said.
Dali Tambo, who rode with his wife Rachel and their son, said the Freedom Ride was an excellent advertisement for road safety. “This is about the freedom we fought for,” he said.
Gao Meraba, an avid cyclist from the south of Johannesburg, hoped that public awareness would improve. “I hope cycling will be safer. We would love to cycle every day, but taxis are a problem.”
Margie and Peter Moodie, an elderly couple from Randburg, were happy they had taken part. “Hopefully, we will be ready for the 94.7 Cycle Challenge later this year,” Margie said, while Peter commented: “We want to see more people ditch their cars for bicycles. Awareness comes slowly, but sometimes taxi drivers are more aware of cyclists than motorists.”
Source: www.joburg.org.za