The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has hailed the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke as a crucial platform to promote road safety awareness, particularly targeting the protection of cyclists on the country’s roads.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 edition of the annual cycling event, TSCZ Media and Corporate Communications Officer Mrs Lucy Kuwandira-Mapfumo said the organisation’s participation is driven by a need to raise awareness on cyclist safety, encourage responsible road sharing, and reinforce the importance of protective gear.
“We are excited to be part of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke initiative because it presents us with an opportunity to spread traffic safety, specifically with issues of cyclist safety,” said Mrs Kuwandira-Mapfumo.
She highlighted that many motorists do not respect or fully understand the rights of cyclists on public roads, resulting in preventable accidents and conflicts between drivers and cyclists.
“Many times, road users—especially drivers—do not respect cyclists and are not aware that cyclists also have the right to be on the road,” she explained. “So we are taking this chance to speak directly to our drivers and remind them of the importance of safety on the road, particularly protecting cyclists.”
Mrs Kuwandira-Mapfumo said the Council is also using the Tour to engage cyclists themselves on safety measures such as the consistent use of helmets, proper bicycle maintenance, and adherence to designated cycling lanes where available.
“We are informing our cyclists about the importance of wearing helmets, ensuring bicycles are fitted with all necessary safety features such as reflectors and lights, and maintaining proper road positioning when cycling,” she said.
The campaign comes at a time when Zimbabwe is preparing for the festive season, a period traditionally associated with an increase in road traffic and accidents. TSCZ views the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke as a timely platform to reinforce safety messages and build a culture of mutual respect among all road users.
“This is an opportunity for us to spread broader road safety messages, specifically targeting cyclists’ safety, as we approach the festive season—a time when road use and risk typically increase,” Mrs Kuwandira-Mapfumo added.
