Pretoria – Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau will take the lead on Sunday when the city stages the fourth edition of the 27km Freedom Ride in Sandton and surrounding areas.
The ride is in partnership with leading insurance group Hollard.
The ride, which is expected to attract more than 7 000 cyclists from across the city and beyond, forms part of the month-long 2015 EcoMobility World Festival currently underway in Sandton.
The festival encourages residents to use non-motorised forms of transport, including cycling to help decongest the city and reduce the carbon footprint.
The festival, which coincides with Transport Month and runs until October 31, has been hailed as a success so far as thousands of Johannesburg residents have heeded Mayor Tau’s call to leave their cars at home and either cycle or walk or use public transport to work and back.
Mayor Tau, a keen cyclist and fitness fanatic, encourages city residents to switch their mode of transport to cycling as it also has added health benefits that could help to keep chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and obesity at bay.
Although this is a social ride and not a race, all riders have been asked to wear their helmets, put on sunscreen and keep hydrated.
“The aim of Freedom Ride is to celebrate freedom of the streets and promote cycling, healthy lifestyles and recreation,” said Bongi Mokaba, the city’s Events Director.
She called on riders to ensure that they carry some form of identification on them in case of an emergency.
“Also save the in-case-of-emergency (ICE) number among your cell phone contacts. If your phone locks automatically, put the ICE number on a sticker and put it on your phone or bike or make it your screen saver.
“There will be roving bike mechanics that will help with any breakdowns along the route. Their services are free but you will need to pay them for parts, so please carry some money on you. There are water points every 6km where you can refresh and reenergise,” she said.
The ride starts at 7am on Rivonia Road, outside Gautrain Station. The cyclists will proceed to Hillbrow, then Yeoville and back to Sandton via Louis Botha Avenue.
The city has lined up entertainment from the top drawer to complete the day’s fun. Entertainment will be provided by award-winning Zahara, talented Maleh, KG, DJ Tbos, MoG and Bob Mabena.
Park ‘n ride facilities are available at Innesfree Park, Brightwater Commons, Randburg Square, Cresta and Rosebank.
There will be free parking at 24 Central Street, on the corner of Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive. There is all-day parking available for only R10 on the Sandton City rooftop. – SAnews.gov.za
