In a colourful yet heart-wrenching display, more than 80 bikers and motorists took to the streets at the weekend and gathered at the spot where a 12-year-old child died in a car crash in August.
As they bid him a final farewell, they also handed over a petition to a member of the provincial legislature, highlighting the poor state of Gqeberha’s roads.
Aden Lewis was killed and his mother was admitted to hospital after a vehicle collided with theirs in Walmer during a late night trip to their local garage shop for milkshakes.
Grieving mother Jeanine Boshoff sustained serious injuries but has since been discharged from hospital.
A 26-year-old man faces charges of culpable homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with the incident.
He has since been released on bail.
On Saturday, dozens of people gathered at the accident scene between 10th and 11th avenues in Main Road.
They laid wreaths and placed bouquets of flowers.
A memorandum of demand to fix the roads was handed over to DA MPL Retief Odendaal.
“We, as residents of Gqeberha, will not stop putting pressure on the municipality to deliver traffic calming zones and street lights,” the letter said.
Starting at the Walmer Park Shopping Centre parking lot, about 80 motorcyclists and motorists drove in convoy, ultimately ending up at the pier in Summerstrand.
The air was filled with the sound of roaring engines.
People shared their most cherished memories of Aden, who had been passionate about motorbikes and enjoyed watching stock car racing, at the start and end points.
At the pier, 12 balloons were released to mark each of Aden’s years on earth.
Walking with crutches, Boshoff cried as she was comforted by friends and family.
Aden’s aunt, Athari Webster, said Saturday’s memorial ride had been a success.
“There was a massive outpouring of love by the community, for which we are most grateful and we sincerely felt the love,” Webster said.
She said there were about 80 bikes and vehicles in the convoy from Walmer Park to the wreath laying and handing over of the letter to Odendaal, on the corner of Main Road and 11th Avenue.
Her husband, Garth, said: “We then went to the pier at Hobie Beach, where 12 balloons were released to say goodbye to our darling boy.
“From the family, we would like to say thank you to each and every one who attended this beautiful farewell, and to all who have contributed in being a strong support system over the past two weeks.
“May Aden’s dear soul rest in eternal peace. You will never be forgotten, we love you.”
Odendaal confirmed that he received the memorandum.
“I received the request for the street lights be fixed so that the roads are better lit up.
“They also wanted to see if the metro would be willing to put in place some traffic calming measures.
“Their argument is to prevent someone else from going through the same pain this family went through. It was tragic,” he said.
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