Cyclists warned by Pedal Power Association of attacks in Woodstock

The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has warned cyclists in Cape Town of criminal activities in the Woodstock area and urged them not to use the Woodstock Bridge. 

CEO of the association, Neil Robinson said more than 22 cyclists have reported incidents to the organisation. 

“Attacks on cyclists over weekends have increased dramatically over the past eight weeks as we head into the festive season. We are asking cyclists not to use the Woodstock Bridge area unless they must and never alone,” Robinson said.

He said email and hotline alerts notifying the association of attacks have been flooding in since November. 

“We have asked for signage to be erected on the corner of New Market Street, Woodstock and along the M176 Woodstock Lower Church Bridge and at the exit to Church Street from F W De Klerk Boulevard to warn cyclists of the immediate dangers in the area,” Robinson said.

“We regularly alert cyclists of the criminal activities via our social media channels but with the influx of tourists expected in the city soon, it is crucial that signage is erected to warn cyclists of criminal activities in the area.” 

PPA compiled a map indicating the attacks in the Woodstock area and have asked for the map to be shared among cycling groups and clubs. 

“There are three areas of concern we ask cyclists to take note of. There has been two attacks entering Church Street from FW De Klerk Boulevard, nineteen of the attacks along the Woodstock Bridge area and one attack along lower Church Street towards Albert Road,” he said.

“Seventeen of the attacks targeted cyclists who were cycling alone early morning. We are asking cyclists not to cycle in the area on their own. There are informal settlements on both sides of the bridge which makes it extremely unsafe.” 

He said attacks have mostly been taking place from 4.30am to 8am. 

The PPA appealed to cyclists to avoid riding in the area unless they were in a large group. 

“The attacks have now become violent as criminals are using weapons to threaten cyclists. We are asking cyclists to be stay vigilant and to take extra care during the festive period,” Robinson said. 

The PPA is in daily contact with the authorities and they are doing their best to patrol the area.  Increased patrols have been requested urgently by the PPA.”

The PPA said it is constantly advocating for better policing of high impact areas, the erection of cameras, partnerships with local City Improvement Districts and Metro Police and to have constant visibility of law enforcement and is working tirelessly with the various government authorities to achieve this aim.

PPA also shared safety tips for motorists and cyclists. 

For motorists: 

• Avoid ‘dooring’ cyclists. It can also be fatal and happens more than you would expect. Don’t open any doors without checking there aren’t any cyclists behind you. You could easily sweep them clean off their bikes and it won’t be pretty. Think about the width of your door when it’s open; you easily have a 1-1.5m mobile barrier swinging into the road each time you get in or out of the car.
• Realise cyclists are vulnerable: driving a vehicle hugely heavier and more powerful than a bicycle and in any impact, the cyclist will be the loser.
• Please exercise some caution and be patient: 84% of cyclist casualties in recent years were caused by careless inattention, firstly by drivers, secondly by cyclists. Use mirrors as cyclists may overtake slow-moving traffic on either side. They may sometimes need to change direction suddenly, so be aware of this and observe any indications they give such as looking over their shoulder. Do not tempt them into taking risks or endanger them.
• Allow plenty of space: when overtaking a cyclist, you’re required to give them as much room as you would a car. They may need to swerve to avoid hazards. Always anticipate that there may be a pothole, oily, wet or some other obstruction.
• Please refrain from using your cell phone unless you have a hand free set up.

For cyclists: 

• Be sure you and your bicycle are as visible as possible when on the road. Wear bright clothing and use lights.
• As a legal road user, always obey the rules of the road.
• Ride single file and use clear hand signals when turning. Most roads are extremely congested this time of the year so please keep a single file, it’s the law
• Don’t cycle on the pavement unless it’s a designated cycle path.
• Let’s promote a culture of caring. Acting like the road is your own personal raceway and everyone else is an obstacle, just gives all cyclists a bad name.
• Using a cell phone whilst cycling could have disastrous consequences.
• Do not cycle alone as you become an easy target.
• Please report crime and crash incidents to the PPA.
• Please avoid hotspot areas.

“Please forward information of any attacks in this area to liz@pedalpower.org.za to update our map and remember to report cases to SAPS,” Robinson said.

Previously, Sharief Peters, chairperson of Western Province Cycling and Cape Town Giants told IOL he doesn’t feel the City of Cape Town is doing enough to curb the dangers the cycling community faces.

“Cyclists are becoming easy targets, especially those riding alone. In previous years, biking equipment was taken but that seems not to be the trend, and now criminals are after what cyclists are carrying, such as cellphones and cash,” he said.

The criminals’ modus operandi is to push cyclists off their bicycles and rob them of cellphones and their bikes. The perpetrators hide in the bushes and attack in groups of two or three. Some cyclists have been threatened with knives.

Police have arrested suspects in connection with robberies and assaults of cyclists, however, it seems criminals have become more brazen. 

Police have urged cyclists to be vigilant and ride in groups.

“We advised cyclists to operate or ride in groups of at least three or more and to be vigilant at all times, especially when riding the specific route. Report all suspicious activities and people to SAPS, immediately,” Western Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL