UPDATE: Metro and PPA respond to cyclist run over by taxi
HONEYDEW – Metro police and the Pedal Power Association have their say about a taxi driver who hit a cyclist.
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) is demanding swift and decisive action after watching a video of cyclist, Darren Fitz-Gerald, who was struck down by a taxi driver on 15 November.
Fitz-Gerald was cycling down Christiaan de Wet Road towards Beyers Naudé Drive at 5.13pm when the incident occurred.
A video captured by a motorist’s dash camera showed the taxi driving into the emergency lane on the left-hand side of the road. It continued driving illegally within the yellow lane until it came to a sudden stop after hitting Fitz-Gerald.
WATCH: Cyclist run over by taxi on Christiaan de Wet (GRAPHIC CONTENT)
It was extremely fortunate that he only sustained minor injuries. Fitz-Gerald, who was treated at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, needed stitches to his elbow and suffered serious grazes all over his body.
“Seeing it for the first time and not knowing what happens at the end, we were expecting the worst,” explained PPA chief executive officer, Robert Vogel.
“We have made contact with well-placed officials in the National Department of Transport, Gauteng Province and the City of Joburg and have sent them the footage and asked them to familiarise themselves with the case and follow the process as it unfolds,” Vogel said.
“I am determined to get the driver prosecuted, he claims that he was stopping to let off passengers and his brakes failed. What is interesting is that he stopped very quickly when he hit me,” added Fitz-Gerald.
Vogel said, “There needs to be swift and decisive action as well as consequences for the driver. In too many cases cyclists are treated with disrespect on our roads although they are the most vulnerable of road users.”
Metro police’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said, “If it was an accident, then the taxi driver will still have to appear in court for reckless and negligent driving. A magistrate will have to determine what penalty the taxi driver will face when the case goes to court.”
Vogel urged motorists to be more patient and to slow down behind a cyclist and only pass when it is safe, and to then make sure they pass with a berth of at least one metre.
The PPA said that it was aware that some cyclists also break traffic laws and that these actions tarnish all law-abiding cyclists.
