Every year, Mandela Day is celebrated on the 18th of July and, although South Africa is currently facing the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can still assist others in this time of need. With its focus on cyclists’ safety and cycling as a key mode of transport, the Pedal Power Association, one of South Africa’s largest cycling organisations, will be distributing masks to cyclists across South Africa on Mandela Day. “As it is important that cyclists demonstrate responsibility and wear masks while riding we have asked some of our brand ambassadors across South Africa, to gives us 67 minutes of their time on Saturday to distribute custom made ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ face masks in Gauteng, Nelson Mandela Bay, Durban, Oudtshoorn and Cape Town,” says PPA’s Chairman Steve Hayward.
“Covering our mouths and noses with a cloth mask is something that is going to be part of our daily routine in South Africa for quite some time to come and raising awareness about the importance of wearing a mask whilst out cycling, is essential to save lives,” explains Hayward.
“The situation we are currently faced with in South Africa is very serious and we all need to consider the consequences of our individual actions on the community around us. When out riding cyclists encounter a lot of walkers, runners, and other cyclists who could all be at risk by those not wearing masks,” Hayward says. We have had so many reports of cyclists blatantly ignoring the plea to comply with the regulations to wear masks. The virus can infect anyone, anywhere and it is the responsibility of every person in South Africa to wear a mask whilst outdoors in public spaces to protect others from being infected.
“We appeal to cyclists across South Africa to not only consider fellow South Africans but especially the health workers who are under so much pressure because of the high infection rates and set an example by wearing their masks whilst cycling, thus making cycling a part of the solution, not the problem.” Hayward concluded.
