Locals bikers implore pedestrians to stop cutting holes in the N2 fence opposite the CBD and running across the highway.
Monarchs president, Rodger Taylor and president of Vaal Wild Hogs motorcycle clubs, Zagrys Pretorius got their members and some members of the community to repair the holes in the centre median and concrete palisade fence.
“We undertook this on Sunday morning, 22 February from 6am to minimise the impact to road users,” said Rodger. “We realise these holes will, in time, be re-opened. However should this brief moment of increased safety save lives, it is time and effort well spent.”
A few years ago, one of Rodger’s close friends, Christo van Niekerk was killed on the N2 northbound in front of Toti CBD after hitting a pedestrian on his bike. Local businesses banded together and erected a fence in the centre median, as well as a palisade fence on the side opposite the CBD.
It has since been cut and repaired numerous times.
“Recently, the situation has deteriorated to such a degree that many motorists and riders have had near impacts with pedestrians running across the highway, carrying groceries, including school children in full school uniform, after being dropped at the off-ramp close to the post office,” said Rodger.
“On numerous occasions, pedestrians have even taunted people on motorcycles, threatening to run in front and retreating at the last second in order to find amusement at the motorcyclist’s survival reactions.
We hope to inspire the community to again support this plight, as well as to motivate our law enforcement to take action.”
