The second annual Freedom Ride took place on 20 July 2014, just days after Nelson Mandela International Day.
Hundreds of riders braved the cold winter morning to cycle the 35km route between Johannesburg and Soweto. The ride started at the Nelson Mandela Bridge, which was first opened by the former statesman on 20 July 2003, and ended in Soweto after passing a variety of historical heritage sites along the way – including Vilikazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto.
Nelson Mandela once said, “The purpose of freedom is to create it for others,” and that is one of the purposes of the Freedom Ride – to give cyclists freedom to ride through the roads of Johannesburg on dedicated cycle lanes and to create awareness around this essential mode of transport.
The ride is also aimed at linking the communities of Johannesburg and Soweto.
Television personality Dali Tambo with wife Rachel Tambo before the Freedom Ride
Dali Tambo – a South African businessman, producer and television personality – who participated in the ride with his wife, Rachel, said, “This ride is not just about honouring his legacy but about honouring all those who contributed to our freedom today. It’s also about the fact that we need freedom as cyclists to be able to cycle all over our cities, all over the countryside. And that means you’ve got to have dedicated cycle lanes, as well as think in terms of transport policies and having real roads that encompass pedestrian walkways, cycle lanes, space for cars, buses etc. That is something we have got to have all over the world.”
Cyclist Simon Leshwai, who was doing the ride for the first time, said: “This ride has given me a chance to celebrate the legacy that Tata Mandela left behind for South Africans. Fortunately giving back to the community is something I do on a daily basis; it’s a part of my work – I am into community development, working in communities trying to help alleviate poverty.”
Executive mayor of Johannesburg Mpho Parks Tau
Executive mayor of the city of Johannesburg cllr Mpho Parks Tau who also participated in the ride, said the ride and new cycle routes are also aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.
Other participants in the Freedom Ride were former Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Valli Moosa, who rode on behalf of WWF-SA and congratulated the city of Johannesburg for building world class cycle lanes, and MEC for health in Gauteng Qedani Mahlangu.
Funds raised from the Freedom Ride will be used by the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) to build a second bicycle empowerment centre in Orlando, Soweto.