Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu has actively called on the City council to develop safer cycling infrastructure on urban roads.
Mr Ndlovu made the remarks ahead of the forthcoming second edition of the Pedal-2-Wellness, a cycling event meant to promote physical well-being set for September 21 at Borrowdale Office Park.
The cycling event, organised by iGo, Cimas Health Group’s wellness division, promotes cardio fitness and raises awareness of drug and substance abuse.
“Cycling is not just about getting from one place to another, it is about enhancing our overall well- being.
As more people choose to cycle, we can collectively work towards a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Speaking on the growing need for alternative transportation options, Mr Ndlovu emphasised the importance of creating a safer environment for cyclists.
“Apart from offering remarkable benefits for physical health, cycling offers a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport. However, to fully realise these benefits, our City council must invest in infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road,” Mr Ndlovu said.
He said there was a need for dedicated cycling lanes and proper signage to encourage more people to embrace cycling as a viable mode of transportation.
“Incorporating safer cycling infrastructure would not only reduce the risk of accidents but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions,” Mr Ndlovu noted.
Mr Ndlovu underscored the need for collaborative efforts between the city council, corporate entities, and the public to make cycling a safer and more accessible option for all.
Open to elite, and social cyclists including children, this year’s Pedal-2-Wellness, event will be held under the theme, “Pedal against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” with more than 400 cyclists expected to participate.
“Pedal-2-Wellness is part of Cimas’s broader commitment to promoting health and wellness to foster a healthier society. I urge cyclists to bring their helmets and bikes to Pedal against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Registration to participate at the Pedal-2-Wellness is being done online with the elite and social cyclists having to pay US$5 while children under the age of 13 will participate for free.
The event will start at 7:30 AM with the 45-km ride, followed by the fun ride at 7:45 AM and the children’s ride at 8:00 AM.
Participants under the age of 13 years will cycle on the iGo strip and perimeter road of Borrowdale racecourse (4.5km), while those over 13 years will cycle on the road along the demarcated route (22.5km) from Borrowdale Office Park.
They will turn left into Borrowdale Road, then left into Paulington (KG6), left onto ED Mnangagwa Road, at the roundabout Chisipite, they will turn left into Drew, then left into Harare Drive.
Finally, they will turn left into Borrowdale Drive, returning to Borrowdale Office Park.
The elite cyclists will complete two laps of the race, which is 45km, and there will be two water points, at the start and finish point of the race.
As a safety measure, all participants are expected to wear helmets, which are available for hire at the venue on the day. Participants will receive a T-shirt and a medal after completing the event.
As part of Cimas’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit, which supports mental health causes.
Featured image: Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu. Picture by Tsitsi Bertha
