FNB Stadium
Thousands of cyclists will take part in the 947 Ride Joburg on Sunday, 26 October 2025, starting and finishing at FNB Stadium in Soweto. The Road Accident Fund and Johannesburg Metro Police will use the event to promote road safety and manage major road closures across the city.
Johannesburg will host one of Africa’s largest cycling events on Sunday, when thousands of riders take part in the annual 947 Ride Joburg road race. The event, formerly known as the 947 Cycle Challenge, starts and finishes at FNB Stadium in Soweto and features two routes — a 97km main race and a 35km short ride.
The 97km route will take cyclists on a scenic and challenging tour of Johannesburg, covering major landmarks and newly added sections. Riders will begin at FNB Stadium, head through Soweto, and pass the historic gold mine dumps before moving towards Main Reef Road.
From there, the route connects to the M1 highway, which will be closed to traffic to allow cyclists to ride north towards Woodmead.
A key highlight of the race is the opportunity to ride on the world-class Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Cyclists will then face a new climb along Main Road towards Witkoppen Road before crossing the Nelson Mandela Bridge on their way back to the finish line at FNB Stadium.
The full route covers 97km with an elevation gain of 1,398 metres, while the shorter 35km option caters to recreational cyclists. The official interactive route map and details on road closures are available on the Ride Joburg website.
Earlier this week, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) confirmed it will participate in this year’s event to promote road safety and awareness among both cyclists and motorists. Through its activation along the route, the RAF will educate riders on safety precautions and responsible road use. The initiative forms part of a broader campaign developed in partnership with the Pedal Power Association to reduce cyclist injuries and fatalities.
As part of its programme, the RAF distributes reflective bibs, helmets, and bicycle lights to improve cyclist visibility. The Fund has also introduced car-door stickers for motorists to encourage safer driving habits around cyclists.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, cyclist fatalities accounted for 1.2 percent of total road deaths in 2024 and 0.8 percent during the 2024–2025 festive season.
Most fatalities involved male riders. The RAF continues to urge all road users to act responsibly to prevent avoidable crashes that cause emotional and economic hardship for families and communities.
The Fund also reminds South Africans of the importance of understanding the RAF claims process, especially the use of Undertaking Certificates, which provide access to long-term medical and rehabilitation support. Many claimants remain unaware of these services, despite most claims being handled by attorneys on behalf of clients.
Several major Johannesburg roads will be affected by closures and traffic diversions for the event. Roads such as Main Road, Witkoppen Road, Jan Smuts Avenue, and Nasrec Road will be closed or partially restricted. Nasrec Road will close from midnight on Saturday, 25 October, between Rand Show Road and Booysens Reserve Road.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes including the M1, M2, Beyers Naude Drive, Empire Road, Rivonia Road, and Oxford Road.
“The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has urged residents to plan ahead, exercise patience, and support the thousands of cyclists taking part in the race,” said Xolani Fihla spokesperson: Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
