22 Aug 2016

Regional manager of Department of Roads, Transport and Safety (DRTS) for Central Region, Ability Kereemang has urged cyclists to always pay attention and take extra caution when using the road.

Kereemang said this on August 19 during a cycling race organised by DRTS and Road Safety Committee which was held at Kediretswe grounds in Palapye under the theme “Safe Cycling.”

“Cyclists are the most vulnerable road users and should always be cautious when using the road,” she said. She said it was worrisome that the country continued to lose cyclists in traffic accidents.

Kereemang said DRTS has realised that some cyclists lack adequate knowledge about how they should use the road in a rightful manner when cycling while some do not know how to use road signs well due to lack safety cycling basic knowledge.’

She said cyclists must know that their safety comes first hence should make road safety a priority.

She informed cyclists to always put on cycling helmets to protect themselves from possible head injuries and also to wear reflective clothing so that they could be visible to motorists especially when cycling at night.

Kereemang also encouraged parents to take responsibility of ensuring that their children were safe when cycling. She also appealed to motorists to consider cyclists and pay attention to them on the road.

Palapye Road Safety coordinator, Lorraine Gaolebale emphasised that cyclists should always remember to put on appropriate cycling outfits when using the road and to take heed of road signs. 

Keletso Ontiretse of Morupule Cycling Club advised other cyclists to use the left hand lane and follow the same directions with cars. 

He advised drivers to keep 1.5 meters away from cyclists and to reduce speed to avoid road accidents. Ends