Elfas Torerai

A humble village cyclist could easily break into the Guinness book of records. This, after he has ridden one bicycle for 40 years.

Victor Sealyepelo, 62, from Lokaleng village outside Mafikeng, said he bought the Phoenix bicycle in 1971 when he was 22 and had stuck with it since then.

“I’m a father of four and I’m very happy to have spent 40 years with this bicycle. It has created memories for me and I don’t want to part with it,” he said.

Though he bought the bicycle for economic reasons, Sealyepelo said he had grown to like the health aspects that come with riding as compared to driving. He loves his back-pedal bicycle, which is complete with the original, rustic carrier at the back. The toughness of the bike is testimony to a time when such items were made to last, although it now has several wires keeping various bits in place.

“I survive on piece-jobs and have never managed to save enough to buy a car. I have outgrown the desire to drive now and enjoy the fitness I get in riding. If I was driving for the same period, I probably would not be talking to you now,” he said.

“Cars are good but they come with problems. Many of our young people have hypertension and other diseases because they do not exercise,” he said.

Sealyepelo argued that cycling could also go a long way in preserving the ozone layer that is being depleted because of the fumes from cars and other sources.

“Cycling is not only excellent exercise, it’s ideal for recreation and is a cheap transport option. People in urban centres can easily use bicycles to run errands, go to work and school,” he said.

With COP17 starting in Durban soon, Sealyepelo’s message, if multiplied, would be good news to the world.

He said that he only replaced tyres and other parts that wore out, but the frame is still solid.

“I have only patched up the mudguards and replaced the moving parts after they wore out. The frame is still the same as I bought back in 1971,” he said.

Sealyepelo acknowledged the risks associated with cycling and called for safety measures on all roads to protect cyclists. But to him the bicycle is life. “I used to visit my then girlfriend, who is now my wife, on this bicycle, and ride with her sitting on the carrier,” he said.

“As a cyclist, I’m often vulnerable to cars and there is a need to have secure lanes for cyclists and awareness campaigns for drivers in Mafikeng to look out for cyclists.”

Mothusi Sefemo, 65, from Lokaleng, said Sealyepelo had shown resilience and made a name for himself as a cyclist.

“The entire village has come to respect this man for his love of cycling and he sets a good example for young people who want to keep fit,” he said.

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