03 Apr 2023

The public has been urged to consider using other modes of transport such as cycling.

Cycling could lessen expenses and reduce the burden of fuel costs on families.

Molepolole South MP, Kabo Morwaeng, said this during the Kweneng safe cycling awareness activation in Molepolole on Saturday.

The safe cycling awareness activation marked the beginning of the 7th UN Global Road Safety Week held every two years to promote road safety.

 “Cycling is a vital form of exercise that helps to fight non communicable diseases popularly known as lifestyle diseases,” Morwaeng said.

He further indicated that despite the clear benefits of cycling, there was still a serious challenge facing cyclists with regards to safe cycling. He also pledged support for legislation that would ensure the safety of cyclists on the roads.

Furthermore he implored all road users to uphold road safety and promote safety of non-motorised modes of transport as well as ensuring safety of pedestrians.

The area MP, also Minister for State President, said it was imperative to promote road safety since it was a global concern, adding that road accidents claimed nearly 1.35 million lives globally while locally around 400 people perished annually.

To buttress Morwaeng’s sentiments, District traffic officer for District no: 11 Supt George Mabotenyane, said from January to May this year, about 181 road accidents were recorded in Kweneng.

From this number, he said 17 accidents involved pedestrians in which two people lost their lives while five sustained bad injuries and 10 sustained minor ones.

While no accidents were recorded involving cyclists, he cautioned them saying that they should continue observing road signs and use the road properly noting for instance that the police had made an observation that in most instances cyclists faced on-coming traffic while using the road instead of riding on the left alongside other motorists.

Kweneng District Council chairperson, Allen Jacob, thanked the department of transport for having brought cyclists to Molepolole.

He mentioned that although it was a fun filled activity, he said he was happy that they used the campaign to spread informative messages on road safety.

Jacob therefore urged cyclists and pedestrians alike to put on reflective clothing so that they were visible to other road users emphasizing that such would prevent road accidents from happening.

Mountain bike cyclist Basmar Pule concurred with previous speakers, stressing the importance of a bicycle and its many advantages.

He said anyone could use a bicycle regardless of their age and social status.

Pule encouraged people to ride bicycles to and from work and the lands to keep fit.

The activation campaign saw Kgosi Kgari Sechele III and Morwaeng as lead cyclists while professional clubs such as Tsela Riders graced the event. ENDS