Gordon15

Hi Reme, I don't want to go all "salesy" on you, so let me start with a disclaimer, Shake2Alert is my company. Hopefully others who are using the app will also weigh in on its effectiveness. You can set up the app before you leave on a ride, so that your loved one is able to watch where you are, in real time, from either a computer or their phone. It can also be easily programmed to let all of your emergency contacts know if you stopped moving for a pre-determined time while on your ride. Other useful features are that it can raise an alert if you don't get back by a pre-determined time, with your last known location, even if your phone is dead or you are in an area with no signal. And then there's the main reason for the development of the app, allowing you to instantly and easily let people know that you're in trouble. The best way to do this is to wear our bluetooth panic button, paired to the app. Just press the button and an alert is immediately sent to all of your emergency contacts, with your exact location and also video and audio of what is happening around you. The phone continues to be tracked, so that it can be recovered if stolen, as well as providing evidence. Anyway, probably best that you have a look at the website, https://shake2alert.com and see for yourself. There's a 30 day money back guarantee, so put it through its paces and if it doesn't do everything which you need then you'll get a full refund, no questions asked. PS. Yes, I know that the shake function may not be the best for some cyclists, so this is programmable for strength and length of shake, and apart from the button there are also various other ways of activating an alert. It's just that the name seemed easy for most people to remember and understand.

It seems that there are a lot of people and organisations working on this, including trying to access CCTV feeds and talking to the local community near the scene. Hopefully there will be some answers soon.

Will let you know if I get any feedback.

I work with a few security companies in PE. Is it okay if I ask them to have a look at this as well? Can you give me the exact location opposite Walmer township, as a start point for them?

Through working with our safety app, we've been involved in some stalking cases in the UK, and 2 successful prosecutions that I'm aware of. In every instance though, the stalker very quickly picked up the victims routine, rather than used their phone to hunt them down. It's normally quite easy to find where someone works, and after that they have a fixed reference point each day to start from. The rest, unfortunately, is pretty easy. Looking specifically at cycle theft, even the stupidest criminals are able to quickly see which routes are commonly used, then it's just a question of finding a reasonable ambush point. They don't need to go to the trouble of finding out where you live and how to breach your security at home, when they can get the same result jumping out of a bush.

Sorry to hear about your attack. It sounds like even our personal safety app couldn't have helped you here, as you probably wouldn't have installed it yet! I will be following your progress on this with interest. I've had meetings with many people in municipalities and government regarding safety and security and I feel that the will to do anything positive is lacking. Immediately after an incident which makes the headlines there's a lot of talk, but that seems to quickly dissipate into committees or meetings and ultimately nothing happens, until the next time.

Open week was from the 18th, and officially only until today, although some are including tomorrow (23rd) as well

Been a bit busy recently so missed this thread at the time. Not in the same league as The Penetrator or the "hidden" Glock, and without wishing to incur the wrath of the admins for promoting a product, at least have an app like Shake2Alert on your phone. It won't stop a man with a gun but you will be able to let everyone know exactly where you are and what is happening. Use it with the wearable bluetooth button and you can leave your phone in your camelbak and just press the button to trigger an alert. https://shake2alert.lpages.co/cyclists/

You were fast on the draw! Impressive!

Sad to hear that these incidents are now taking place in PE as well, but glad to know that he's okay.

Bike-jacking seems to be happening all over the world, it's not just here. Good to see that this guy definitely got it wrong though! Guy Tries To Steal A Cyclists Bike… Not Such A Good Idea! – Lekker Blog

and on top of your Everest this weekend . . . (air conditioned tent I hope)

Large fire at Stilbaai when we went past yesterday.

Thank you to everyone who has completed the survey, or responded on this thread. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and has re-confirmed our commitment to the project and the need for the service. We're busy now with ensuring that the suggestions are implemented, where possible, and expect to be able to go live by the end of the month.

Unfortunately I don't work for Microsoft. Now you will be able to choose which phone to take with you.