Moonlight ride back on, announce city and organisers

TOMORROW’S Moonlight Mass ride through the city centre is back on, thanks to successful negotiations between founding members of the highly popular ride, the city and the provincial government.

The news is sure to be met with widespread joy, following mass dismay over the cancellation of the monthly event, which takes place on the night of the full moon each month. The 9km route starts at the Green Point circle, with cyclists riding through Mouille Point to Green Point Main Road, taking in Long Street and Loop Street, and ending in Greenmarket Square.

The number of participants has exploded from just 30 in January last year to about 4 000 now, throwing up safety issues that the authorities said forced them to put on the brakes.

Late yesterday, however, it was announced by the city and the event’s founding members that the ride was back on.

Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Alan Winde has been identified on the permit as the organiser of the event.

Green Point ward councillor Beverley Schafer said a lack of traf- fic support, risk to cyclists, lighting and the presence of skateboarders and wheelchair participants had been among the city’s concerns.

Event founder Elad Kirshenbaum said he was happy the impasse had been resolved.

● The cyclists meet at 9pm tomorrow.