05 Mar 2013

Beneficiaries of President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s cycle-to-school initiative were, over the weekend, trained on how to properly and safely ride their newly acquired bicycles to and from school.

Taking place under the auspices of the Molepolole/Lentsweletau road safety committee, the training targeted 70 students who received bicycles.

The project was aimed at assisting pupils, who walked long distances from Ratotoboro and Suping to schools in Molepolole.

After realising the need for pupils to know how to use their bicycles safely, as well as become better road users, the road safety officials set out to teach them. Some of the pupils had never ridden a bicycle.

However, the pilot project, which would be rolled out to other schools if successful, is already facing numerous challenges.

Councillor for Ratotoboro and Suping Ward, Mr Pelaelo Mathwanye cited shortage of bicycles, lack of monitoring and care as some of the challenges. He said it was agreed that parents were to take total responsibility when the bicycles were damaged, but that had not been the case.

He said children were left to play recklessly with the bicycles after school thereby exposing them to danger as they raced without observing any signs.

Molepolole North MP, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri thanked the department of road transport and safety for donating reflective jackets and helmets. He however urged parents to look after the bicycles and that they should only be used for the intended purpose. He advised learners to always observe road signs and avoid accidents at all costs.

A Standard Seven student at Kutlwano Primary School, Calvin Jane, thanked President Khama for giving them bicycles saying; “the bicycles have reduced our walking distance tremendously and it has also helped in bringing back students who had abandoned school for lack of transport.”

Although Sylivia Mosalaesi, also from Kutlwano Primary school could not hide her excitement, she expressed worry over some students who had abandoned school and have since given away their bicycles to their siblings who did not even attend school. ENDS