An awareness ride will be hosted in Port Elizabeth to focus on the safety of cyclists in and around the city, the Pedal Power Association announced today.
An awareness ride will be hosted in Port Elizabeth to focus on the safety of cyclists. Photo: East Cape Cycling
The 27km ride will start at 7am from Grass Roof on Saturday, February 22.
After the ride, the organisation will hand over a letter to the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security outlining their concerns and providing recommendations whereby the municipality can help to improve safety.
Reflective bib handouts will also be conducted in Walmer Estate and Motherwell in conjunction with the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
“We have, during the past few years, noticed a growing intolerance between motorists and cyclists, coupled with an increasing trend of lawlessness amongst road users which threatens the safety of cyclists in PE,” said the chairman of the PPA Rens Rezelman.
He added that cyclists were taxpayers, contributing members of the community and family members. Every serious injury or death involving them was an unnecessary one, which they believed could be avoided.
“We are asking motorists and cyclists alike to modify their behaviour and do the right thing by obeying the rules of the road.
“Behaviour shift is the only sustainable and cost-effective way to make the roads safer. When the traffic laws are broken, we need a zero-tolerance approach from the authorities.”
The PPA has called on all riders to get on their bicycles on February 22 and join the peaceful civic action.
