Its all set, Freedom Ride goes back home
14 April 2016
More than 5 000 cyclists are expected to take part in the fifth edition of Freedom Ride on Sunday April 17.
Among scores of celebrities set to grace the increasingly popular annual event is TV personality and businessman Dali Tambo and his wife, Rachael, who both ride for charity.
The ride, which is backed by the City of Johannesburg, returns to its original starting point – the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein – after briefly relocating to Sandton in October 2015 to form part of the Ecomobility World Festival, staged to promote the use non-motorised and public transport to minimise traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
More than 7 500 cyclists, among them Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Cllr Christine Walters, took part in that event, riding from Sandton to Alexandra through to Rosebank and back.
Hugh Fraser, one of the event’s organisers, said Mayor Tau, a keen cyclist, would, however, miss this year’s event as he and other City leaders would be attending the unveiling of the ANC’s election manifesto in Port Elizabeth. Organised in conjunction with leading insurance company Hollard, the ride is a celebration of struggle icon and revered statesman Nelson Mandela. It seeks to promote safe cycling and encourage residents to enjoy new cycle lanes constructed by the City.
The race starts at 7.30am sharp and there are two distances to choose from: the 35km category for serious cyclists and the 17km category for other enthusiasts. The route covers places such as Brixton; Newclare; Mandela Museum in Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto; Diepkloof; Soccer City; and Mayfair.
“It is a tried-and-tested route. The highlight of the ride is for regular Joburgers to explore their own city,” said Fraser.
He encouraged cyclists to spend time and mingle at the Mandela Museum before riding back to the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Cyclists enter the ride for free but have to register online. Donations can be made to the Bicycle Empowerment Centre. Because this is not a race, cyclists of all ages – among them children – are encouraged to take part and enjoy the scenic route and interact with residents. Helmets are mandatory and three water points will be set up along the way.
For more details and information registration, visit www.freedomride.co.za