Confusion reigned yesterday after health minister Zweli Mkhize’s go-ahead to exercise outdoors during the 21 days of lockdown was refuted by police minister Bheki Cele.
The lockdown, which is a bid by government to contain the spread of the dangerous coronavirus, kicks in at midnight tonight.
Cycling SA president Ciska du Plessis-Austin said she was all for people staying fit and exercising, but that she saw the government’s point of view as well.
“It is a difficult one. Keep in mind that Cycling SA has just over 12 000 members – a droplet in terms of the 55-odd million people Mr Ramaphosa and his cabinet have to consider.
“Allowing running and cycling outdoors could be terribly abused as well and I don’t think we have the resources in this country to regulate who are actually runners, cyclists, daily walkers or who might just be using it as an excuse to go about.”
She added that she had close friends in Europe and a number of cyclists were also based there.
“Our government has taken a bold step to enforce a total lockdown, the same as for instance in France, Italy and Spain. They have extended their lockdown periods already as they acted too slowly in the beginning. I’m hopeful that three weeks will be sufficient for our country and to have everybody outdoors again.”
Du Plessis-Austin said she would join the rest of Cycling SA’s members in their quest to stay fit by riding on the indoor trainer and doing some skipping during the lockdown.
She said she had emailed Sascoc for clarification regarding the use of bicycles as a means of transport to go to the shop or bank.
“I hope to be able to give feedback on this soon.”
