Cyclists to take over the streets of Soweto during Freedom Ride

23 October 2017

 

Cyclists in all shapes and sizes will take over the streets of Soweto this Sunday as part of the City of Johannesburg’s Freedom Ride.

 

The Freedom Ride, which is a free social ride, celebrates the power of the bicycle to connect communities and pays homage to the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

To spice up proceedings, the Freedom Ride will, for the first time, be a 20km circular route around Soweto starting and ending at Orlando Stadium.

The cycling event, now in its sixth edition, will take place on Sunday, 29 October 2017 from 07:00am. The route will go through Vilakazi Street, Power Park, Maponya Mall and Bara Taxi Rank.

“The Freedom Ride promotes safe cycling in Johannesburg for commuters and recreational riders and offers residents an opportunity to explore the City,” said Cllr Nonhlanhla Helen Makhuba, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.

The Freedom Ride is organised in a partnership between the City of Johannesburg and Non-Profit Organisation called Freedom Ride.

“This is not a race and cyclists of all ages including children are encouraged to ride. Past rides have been immensely enjoyed by the residents of Johannesburg,” said Hugh Fraser, Freedom Ride board member.

Cyclists must wear a helmet and there will be mechanical support and water points along the route. A safe and secure parking will be available at Orlando Stadium, Orlando Community Hall and Orlando High School. Cyclists can also board a Rea Vaya bus along the T1 and T3 routes and disembark at Orlando Stadium. They can then ride to the starting point at Orlando Stadium.

All those who want to participate in the Freedom Ride cycle event are encouraged to register online or submit their forms. Participation is free of charge. Participants can make donations which are distributed by Freedom Ride to support bike mechanics servicing beneficiaries of bikes that are distributed mostly to learners through another partnership between Qhubeka and the City.

About 800 bikes have already been distributed to learners, community patrollers and community health workers in Orlando, Alexandra and Orange Farm through this partnership. Freedom Ride will be closing the City of Johannesburg’s Transport Month activities, which highlighted the progress made on the infrastructure development in respect of the freeway system, road safety and public transport service delivery within the City.

For more information and registration, please login on: www.freedomride.co.za