Uitenhage, Despatch to protest against carnage

FOR too long have we lost loved ones due to speed and stunts in our area, some innocent others by accident. Bikers are accused of being the culprits. Usually it is one or two people who ensure that all get the blame. Road users are apathetic due to lack of visible policing and traffic officers. Many of the culprits come from other areas and cause havoc in our streets, damaging our infrastructure, and hurting our friends and family. Uitenhage and Despatch have been hit hard the last few months and we do not see the traffic officers in the streets after hours like we need to. We, as a biking and car community, are by means of a peaceful parade on March 29 demonstrating that we are not all culprits, and we demand traffic police for 24 hours a day in Uitenhage and Despatch. The procession will also have a petition-signing upon registration of all participants. We expect to have 500 vehicles in our procession, but hope for more as most of the bike clubs and custom car clubs have indicated that they will participate. Emergency vehicles and private ambulance companies are also welcome to take part in the event. Scooters, custom cars, trucks, tow trucks, minibuses, motorcycles, trikes, funny cars and bikes, and regular vehicles are all welcome. A R10 regsistration/donation fee per vehicle will be payable to cover costs for arrangements, etc. Motorcycles will follow the lead vehicle and cars will follow the motorcycles. Rendezvous and registration is at the Despatch Sports Grounds from 8am to 10am. The route will be via Botha towards Despatch town, left onto old Uitenhage Road, left into Verwoerd Road, right into Main Road, follow Algoa Road, right onto Uitenhage (Caledon), U-turn in Caledon and Victoria/ Cuyler, return through Uitenhage town centre to handover of a petition to the head of traffic services at Spiders Club and an address by a guest speaker. This will be at about noon. Participants are reminded on the reason for the ride: we are promoting safe road use and responsible driving. We will not be speeding or drinking and driving or doing stunts such as wheelies and doughnuts. Please share and invite your friends, the success of this event is directly connected to the participation of our community. For more information please contact (041) 933-1469 or 072-371-0483 or see DA councillor Francois Greyling, Despatch