Windhoek
The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) fund has recorded 154 reported crashes involving cyclists in 2015 alone, which resulted in 151 injuries and 15 fatalities.
For the same year as compared to 2014, crashes and injuries involving cyclists increased by 3 percent and 17 percent respectively, whereas fatalities decreased by 12 percent. This was revealed by MVA senior manager for claims management Sydney Boois during a handover of 18 bicycles to SOS Children’s Village last week.
Of these crashes the highest occurrence was recorded in Khomas Region, representing 36 percent, followed by Erongo and Oshana regions, with 21 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Still last year, more fatalities were recorded in Oshikoto Region with 27 percent.
In furtherance to road and pedestrian safety, MTC joined by road safety stakeholders, namely the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). MVA Fund handed over 18 bicycles and safety gear to SOS Children’s Village in Khomasdal as part of the communications company’s corporate social responsibility drive aimed at pedestrian safety within the broader context of road safety.
Boois said Namibian roads should provide for a mixed traffic including bicycles. “The road is not only for cars. It also need to provide for cyclists and pedestrians,” he noted. He said MVA would ensure that vulnerable children at SOS are fully equipped when it comes to road safety through training.
He also urged guardians at the village home to ensure that children do not leave the shelter on bicycles without knowledge of road safety first. Meanwhile, MTC manager for sponsorship and promotion Joseph Mundjindi said cycling is an attractive alternative, as it will lead to fewer vehicles on the roads. He encouraged healthy bodies through cycling among others and believes the donated bicycles will make a positive impact in the children’s lives.
“We are mindful that the urban design of major Namibian urban areas has not being designed with a cycle-friendly environment and we are hopeful that authorities will consider a move in this direction to implant cycle routes of their future major route designs,” he urged.