THE safety of cyclists has once again been thrust into the spotlight after a series of tragic incidents in and around Cape Town left the local cycling community reeling, with at least five cyclists killed or injured in recent days.

The latest incident on Saturday involves three cyclists who were involved in a collision with a tour bus on Chapman’s Peak Drive, according to Pedal Power Association (PPA).

“One of the cyclists passed away at the scene of the crash whilst the other was airlifted to hospital and the third sustained lesser injuries.”

In another incident,  a bicycle technician from Olympic Cycles, according to PPA, was struck by a vehicle in Claremont after swerving to avoid a suddenly opened car door.

Another cyclist sustained injuries when hit by a truck in an alleged hit-and-run incident  along Wellington Road in Durbanville. Two more were injured on Bottelary Road during a collision with a vehicle.

Police were still investigating the circumstances leading to the death of 76-year-old cyclist Dennis Hammar, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital after being attacked and robbed while cycling along the N1 near FW de Klerk Boulevard last week.

Cyclist Neil Benjamin last year flagged the dangers along the Lower Church Street turn-off to Woodstock from the N1.

“Cyclists in general, we are always telling everybody how great the Cape Cycle tour is but what happens before and after that? We’ve gotta protect the cyclists. They started instituting patrol with the metro police and they did a great job. They were there at 5am almost every morning, then they were there between 3pm and 8pm in the evening as well. People see there’s a police presence, then they just move their operation further down,” said Benjamin.  

Safety and security mayco member JP Smith said in the last year, the area around the Lower Church Street bridge has become a hotspot for cyclists, and motorists.

“In the interim, Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic works in support of Woodstock SAPS to conduct as many patrols of the area as resources allow, due to the ongoing attacks associated with this unlawful occupation. The City appeals to everyone to always remain vigilant, to use routes/areas that are well-lit and busy, to reduce the risk of falling victim to crime,” said Smith.

Urban Mobility mayco member Rob Quintas said they were undertaking a revision and update of the Road Safety Strategy and Traffic Calming Policy.

“By 2028, the City aims to strengthen partnerships to raise awareness and improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, addressing unacceptable fatality rates. Existing network and infrastructure planning programmes will be refocused and implementation thereof prioritised. 

“Wherever possible, cyclists are advised to cycle in groups and avoid cycling during dark hours. The City and the Western Cape Government Infrastructure department continue to work collaboratively to address issues of mutual concern, especially addressing the safety of road users,” Quintas said.

Cape Times

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