The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has again condemned the state of cycling safety on South African roads as cyclists are increasingly under attack from road users and criminals.
This follows two incidents in Gauteng and one in Mpumalanga in January.
“On January 26, a cyclist was airlifted after a collision with a vehicle in Muldersdrift on the R374. They managed to stabilize the patient.
“On January 27, another cyclist was struck by a taxi along Main Reef Road at the R41. The cyclist died on the scene.
“A cyclist was also killed on January 6 on the R104 from Bronkhorstspruit to Balmoral when he was hit by a silver BMW X series,” said the PPA campaign manager Liz Heydra.
Although no incident has been reported locally this year, this is happening as the cycling season is in full swing with cyclists preparing for races such as the Ride for Sight in Boksburg on February 19 and the Emperors Palace Classic in March.
Heydra explained they are working with authorities to establish ways to make roads safer for cyclists.
While admitting that the process has been slow, she said the organisation has started several campaigns, like stay wider of the rider, to encourage motorists to give riders a 1.5m leeway on the road.
“We organise regular sticker handouts via affiliated cycling clubs throughout South Africa, to educate motorists about how vulnerable cyclists are on the road and to give cyclists at least one meter when passing,” she said.
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Muggings and bicycle theft locally
Last year, several incidents of muggings and bike thefts on roads including Atlas, North Rand, Great North and Rietfontein among others, were reported locally.
It was reported that they occurred early in the morning and criminals were targeting mainly those cycling alone or in groups of two or three.
Several cyclists who spoke to the paper mentioned that the criminals waited on the corners of the routes. They attacked with two vehicles, one in front and the other from the back. They then took phones and the bikes.
The PPA’s CEO Neil Robinson explained that the attacks were on the rise because criminals are aware of the value of the bicycles.
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“The modus operandi is to attack single riders or those who fall behind when riding in a group. Criminals attack using all sorts of weapons to force cyclists off their bikes.
“Attacks seldom happen in the same spot. Criminals move to other areas to avoid being caught,” he said.
Robinson warned cyclists to avoid riding on their own or in smaller groups and that if possible, riders should use a backup vehicle to stay behind the last rider.
Last year, 12 incidents of attacks and theft were reported to the organization but according to the organization, many more are unreported.
“We encourage cyclists to report incidents nationally to us via our WhatsApp on 081 043 9890 as we keep record of all attacks.
“We have at least three attacks reported to us in a week. We alert the local SAPS and security groups of attacks in areas for patrol purposes.”
