Also-oldschool

Aa young adult was with the kids. I unfortunately only got there 5 min after the event. The driver went to SAPS and opened a case against the riders. SAPS Simonstown is now refusing to accept a case against the driver - the Investigating Officer won't allow it.

We are talking to PPA

The picture was taken by a motorist who chased after the car involved in the incident. The rider in the picture was not involved - i missed it by a few minutes.

Unfortunately the legal system failed these kids. By being the first one to get to SAPS you can deny bumping cyclists off the bikes or driving over the bikes. The investigating Officer will believe you and not your victims. Getting into cycling to get away from drugs, gangs and other unholy influences taught them a tough lesson : - the truth does not matter, - SAPS investigation officers prescribe to the charge office what cases to accept and what not - SAPS is not my friend - the one who gets to SAPS first wins - everybody is not equal in the eyes of the law If ever you are involved in an incident in the Deep South check the registration against this picture

The incident happened at Cape Point - Simons Town jurisdiction. just came back from SAPS. The first thing they did was to phone the Investigating Officer who told them not to accept the case. these kids are getting formally charged on Monday - fingerprints and all. the motorist is walking away - no consequences to him.

I come hat in hand for advice from the Leagle Eagles on the group Monday, 13 April, I experienced something that shows just how dangerous that negative anti cyclist mindset has become. Everyone in the Deep South knows the kids from the Fresh Start Cycling Club — riding in their Rawson Properties kit. Late yesterday afternoon, I came across them at Klaasjagtersbos Gate on Plateau Road, just outside Cape Point. A Citi Golf travelling towards Red Hill knocked some of the riders off their bikes. No serious injuries. The driver stopped and reversed back to the grou but instead of helping, he told them: “Next time I will kill all of you f***ing cyclists.” He then drove off — running over one of the kids’ bicycles in the process. Keep in mind that he just seconds earlier reversed and leaves in the direction he reversed from. Let that sink in. This could have ended very differently. They were millimetres away from another tragedy. What makes this even harder: • The rider whose bike was destroyed is a promising young cyclist — he podiumed at Killarney just this past weekend • These kids come from communities facing gangsterism and drug abuse — yet they choose discipline, sport, and a better path • They ride hand-me-down bikes — not expensive gear • That bike wasn’t just transport — it was opportunity, purpose, and hope And in a deliberate act of violence, it was taken away. To me it is important that the legal system kick in and that this guy is prosecuted and that the legal wheels start turning against wreckless behavious towards cyclist. No for the real problem: When he drove over the bike a kid picked up a stone and throw it at the car. The driver laid charges of malicious damage to property at SAPS in Simons Town. He claims the stone broke the rear window (but a picture we have shows no broken window). When the club went to SAPS to lay charges, they were informed that the driver already opened a case and SAPS refused to accept charges of reckless driving, etc against the driver. The driver is prepared to let the charges drop against the minor child (he is in primary school) if they pay the R1900 towards the broken glass. No repercussion for him. I insisted that they go back to SAPS - we are going there this afternoon to try again Are there any legal eagles on this group with a passion for cycling who is prepared to advise the club?

The Deep South is also “littered” with foreigners driving right hand vehicles. I think they don’t realise how dangerously close they pass. But then again - the cars who slow down behind you and patiently wait to pass are also rental vehicles. the dangerous ones are the locals with a sense of entitlement.

Nope - the form for the medical examination I was given to be completed by a medical professional is the same form used for sexual assault - without it SAPS will jot open a case. But at least I had an opportunity to educate the police officer in the charge office - I explained to her what a “motorist” is🤔

I’ve been cycling since the 80s. Road, off-road, everything in between. Like most long-time riders, I’ve had my share of road rage and even a few direct run-ins with cars over the years. Still, every time I head out, I quietly hope I’ll get home safely. These days I prefer off-road, but living in the South Peninsula means that’s not always practical. Tokai is great, but not an everyday option. So I try to be smart about timing — avoiding peak tourist traffic around Cape Point, the buses, rental Cobras and nervous holiday drivers. Normally, cycling is my happy place. Three weeks ago (26 Jan) that changed a bit. I headed out later than usual — around 9am — because the internet was down and work wasn’t happening anyway. Riding through Scarborough, I caught up to two other riders just before the Red Hill / Cape Point / Scarborough intersection. I was about 20 metres behind them. They were already in the intersection when a guy in a white bakkie ignored the yield. The two riders scattered to avoid being hit. There was shouting — no swearing, no middle fingers — just shock and raised voices. The driver then assumed I was part of their “group.” He crossed into the oncoming lane and stopped next to me. Immediately aggressive. Swearing. Swinging fists. I told him to back off and tried to ride on. He reversed toward me, trying to push me off the road. I was so close my bars scratched his bakkie. That seemed to trigger him further. More shouting. More fists. The usual “you cyclists” comments. I tried again to ride away and he again came at me with the vehicle. At that point I got off my bike. He jumped out. I put my bike between us as a shield. He grabbed it and threw it at me. I still have bruising on my lower leg three weeks later. I wasn’t going to get into a physical fight. The level of aggression was frighteningly casual. Thankfully other cars stopped and the two riders came back. It could have ended differently. I’m adding a picture of the vehicle involved. Riders in the South Peninsula should just be aware of this vehicle if you see it around Scarborough / Simonstown / Kommetjie. I’m not posting this to start a fight or bash motorists. But something feels different out there lately. I’ve counted four road rage incidents since November — more than I experienced in the previous decade combined. A couple of questions for other riders: • Is it becoming normal to ride with pepper spray? • Do you use front and/or rear-facing cameras? Has it helped? I’ve always believed cycling should be something we look forward to, not something we brace ourselves for. Ride safe out there.