13 Dec 2024 PPA WARNS CYCLISTS TO BE VIGILANT AND TO AVOID CYCLING IN THE WOODSTOCK AREA OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON
Cycling related criminal activities in the Woodstock area in Cape Town have escalated with more than 22 cyclists reporting incidents to the Pedal Power Association. “Attacks on cyclists over weekends have increased dramatically over the past 8 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,” says CEO of the PPA Neil Robinson.
According to the PPA, emails and hotline alerts notifying them 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. 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,” says Robinson.
“The PPA has compiled a map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1XQwAwXNEHUIqTNlpQtTVPXf15w5Da0M&usp=sharing indicating the recent attacks in the Woodstock area in Cape Town and we ask that you share the map with your cycling groups and clubs,” Robinson explains. “There are three areas of concern we ask cyclists to take note of. There has been one attack entering Church Street from FW De Klerk Boulevard, seventeen attacks along the Woodstock Bridge area and one attack along lower Church Street towards Albert Road. 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,” Robinson says.
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, says Robinson.
“The attacks mostly take place from 4h30 to 8h00 in the morning and we are appealing to cyclists to avoid riding in the area unless in a large group. The attacks have now become violent as criminals are using weapons to threaten cyclists,” Robinson says. “We are asking cyclists to be vigilant and to take extra care during the festive period.”
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.
This is a huge issue across many parts of the Country – where crime is rife and the vulnerable are targeted. Added to this, and where frustrations grow, is the lack of consequences for these crimes.
The PPA 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. Cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable commuters and have every right to use the infrastructure built by government to go about their daily lives.
In closing, whilst we are dealing with the urgency of the above matters, we also wish to share some safety tips with motorists and cyclists as we enter the festive season as we still all need to obey the laws and rules of the road. “Let’s share the road and show mutual respect on the roads during the festive season, “Robinson concluded.
MOTORISTS PLEASE:
- 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.
CYCLISTS PLEASE:
- 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 check the PPA hotline and our website constantly for updates).