Mountain bikers ride for bike safety

Anton Bosman from the club said mountain bikers have had encounters with criminals in the past.

“We have had incidents where bikers are attacked and their bikes stolen. A recent one being the incident where Filip Rafalski was attacked in Blue Hills.”

He emphasised to the group the importance of riding in numbers. “Chances of being attacked when you ride alone are high, safety is key,” he said.

Bosman said bikers want to feel safe as they ride around Midrand but criminals, who know the value of the bikes, are seeing a quick way to make money at the cost of someone else’s life. He led the group of riders from the start of the ride which began at Whisken Road, past roads such as Mane, Maple and Saddle, then back to Whisken Road. Gallop Road is said to be a high-incident path for the bikers.

Rafalski also took part in the awareness ride. He told Midrand Reporter that the knife wounds on his face are healing well. “I hope the community will realise how important bikers safety is, and for all road users too,” he said.

Midrand Police are still looking for the men who attacked Rafalski, and the bikers believe the same suspects attacked other bikers in the Midrand area.

Summit Cycles will also take part in an upcoming awareness ride that will soon take place in Soweto.

Do you think people should cycle or run in groups? Let us know on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page.