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 distributed 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 give 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,” said Steve Hayward, PPA’s chairperson.

“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,” explained 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 put at risk by those not wearing masks,” Hayward said.

“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 not only to 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.