EDITOR – As a keen cyclist myself, I was quite disappointed to hear the deafening silence in South Africa around the issue of the Ride of Silence cause.
I was pleased to hear of the Ride of Silence, an annual event which takes place worldwide on the third Wednesday in May. It claims to have such rides taking place on every continent and across the USA, in honour of those killed or injured while cycling.
READ ABOUT IT HERE: Cyclists ride in silence to honour fallen brothers
There isn’t a more worthy cause on South African roads. And yet I heard absolutely nothing about the cause being commemorated in our country.
Cyclists find themselves in constant prayer when out on the road, for fear of being trampled by one of our many errant motorists who drive like maniacs, especially when they encounter any other road user, let alone one that is unmotorised.
I’m not sure what the statistics show, but road cycling deaths and injuries are numerous. Durban noted the death of a cycling club chairman on the M4 in La Lucia in recent years and of course, who could forget Burry Stander’s death at the hands of an errant taxi driver. Sadly, it’s not only taxis that are a threat to cyclists.
It’s sad that the Bluff, Amanzimtoti or even Durban cycling fraternity missed out on the perfect opportunity to shed light on this important issue and bring it into the forefront of discussions around safe driving.
CHARLENE RODERICK
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