According to the Managing Director of Automobile Association, Karen Bryden, at least 40 percent of all fatalities and injuries annually, are those of pedestrians and cyclists.
The message that Toyota, in partnership with the Pedal Power Association (PPA), wants to emphasise during the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge – that will be held on the 18th of November – is that a mere distance of 1,5 metres is all that is required to save the life of a cyclist.
During this year’s Momentum94.7 Cycle Challenge EXPO, an arm band will be distributed by the Cycle Lab SuperCycling Club – powered by Toyota plus PPA – as part of an awareness initiative for safe cycling. This specially designed fluorescent arm band will be available to all participants to create and raise awareness about this initiative, amongst both motorists and cyclists, and serve as a safety precaution due to its bright reflective colour, but will also be representing the initiative.Two lucky riders randomly spotted during the race will win a chance to win a Trek 1.5 bicycle valued at R10 999 or a voucher worth R10 000.
Complimentary arm bands are also available at Cycle Lab in Fourways retail store from Saturday the 10th November 2012.
As a key stakeholder in the cycling through its partnership with Cyclelab, Toyota South Africa saw the importance of the ‘keep a driving distance of 1,5m from cyclist’ initiative, as it effects both the drivers of their vehicles and cyclists nationwide. Toyota will be using the Momentum94.7 Cycle Challenge as the platform to encourage and create cycling safety awareness, and aim to raise R50 000 during the race for the campaign.
According to Karin Pohl, General Manager of PPA, this initiative started before the 2012 Argus Cycle Tour, when a cyclist was tragically killed in Cape Town in October 2012 after being struck down by a bus that did not keep a safe passing distance from him. The incident could have easily been avoided if the bus had passed the cyclist with the necessary wide berth. Cyclists, who are commuting by bicycle or cycling for health or fitness reasons, are knocked down daily, in a similar way. Bicycles are regarded as legal vehicles and cyclists have the same rights to that of other road users. Cyclists, however, are vulnerable road users who, in the case of a collision, stand little chance against cars, taxis or buses.
Toyota decided to support the project urging all drivers to give cyclists a wide berth on an on-going basis, and said that, motorists in particular, should be extra vigilant around commuters who may not have the same handling skills as racing cyclists. Cyclists in turn are also urged to ride responsibly and obey all traffic laws, to ride in a predictable manner and to be as visible as possible by wearing brightly coloured clothing and fitting lights to their bicycles.
Kerry Roodt, General Manager: Marketing and Communications at Toyota South Africa said “It made logical sense for Toyota to get involved with this initiative to promote safe cycling. Toyota is proud to drive the safe cycling message through the armbands worn by riders”.
More info visit www.toyotacycling.co.za
