947 Cycle Challenge showcases growing city

21 November 2016

 

The 20th edition of the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge that added colour and vibrancy to the streets of Johannesburg on Sunday November 20 was more than just a race.

 

This year’s route was extended to Newtown via the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein to give the more than 30 000 cyclists the opportunity to see the various economic and infrastructure developments unfolding in South Africa’s economic hub.

“Previous races went as far as Ghandi Square. For the first time this year, the race went as far Newtown. Most of these cyclists do not venture out into the inner city that much. The race helped them to see how the city is growing,” said Boitumelo Cidraas, the City’s Marketing Specialist who, along with other officials, manned a City stand along the route near the Mandela Bridge.

“There are many places that are developing and the city is accumulating more wealth. This race is showcasing its growth and City of Johannesburg will continue to support events and initiatives like this.”

Various City entities – including Johannesburg Water, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) – came on board to help make the race a success.

“JRA ensured that all roads needed for the Cycle Challenge were cordoned off. JMPD managed traffic by keeping intersections closed. Johannesburg Water ensured that cyclists were served with water,” Cidraas said.

The race also created temporary job opportunities for Johannesburg residents.

“Overseeing a 105km route requires resources. We have people who are working as marshals. Many of the people were recruited from disadvantaged communities,” said Cidraas.

“As part of the build-up to World Aids Day on December 1, the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and the Department of Health used the race to mobilise locals under the Prevent, Avoid, Stop, Overcome and Protect (PASOP) campaign.

“Hundreds of condom packages were distributed among locals, many of whom were also tested for HIV-AIDS. Through this race, we are spreading our HIV-AIDS prevention and awareness programme. We saw this as an opportunity to mobilise those drawn to the race,” said Lucky Tshingwane, PASOP Operations Manager.