13 May 2019

Gaborone mayor, Kagiso Thutlwe, says government is committed to improving roads and provide safety for the cyclists.

Speaking at the Limkokwing University Go Green Cycling project on May 12, Thutlwe said government had made provision in walk ways for cyclists as well as pedestrians. 

He said cycling had become not only a lifestyle sport but a competitive one. 

He encouraged women to participate in the sport, adding that they could represent the country at various international competitions.

Thutlwe said Botswana pride itself in pushing women to shine in sport; not only as competitors but also as administrators.

Cycle4Life president, Geoffrey Ponchi urged women to partake in cycling activities, indicating that “cycling is not just a sport but also a lifestyle. When one takes up cycling then they commit themselves to it; in terms of health even using the right equipment for the sport as well as practicing safety”.

Furthermore, Ponchi appealed to road users to be mindful of cyclists along the road,. 

Similarly, he also urged cyclists to cooperate and respect other road users for the safety of all.

Ponchi implored women to experiment and explore mountain and road biking.

For his part, Botswana Cycling Association representative, Jerry Kokwane said, “cycling is environmentally friendly and can be used as reduction to gas emissions which are a threat to the climate.”

Meanwhile, Chain Ring cyclists completed their 1000km Ride for Pink cycling challenge from Maun to Gaborone in cancer awareness drive.

According to Leutlwetse Kgosidialwa, the race was about creating an awareness for cancer along the villages that they passed through and also teaching people about the disease. 

He said their race also engaged in activities of screening people for various cancer diseases.

He indicated that during their seven day race, they encountered a case of a woman who had to be referred to the hospital after being screened. 

Kgosidialwa encouraged everyone to test early for cancer, saying if detected early it could be treated.

He said they screened over 300 people during their seven-day race; for both cancer and diabetes. 

Chain Ring with its partners donated 20 wheel chairs to Cancer Association Botswana and 10 to Diabetes Association Botswana. Ends