Helivac Marshals

It was a privilage to have been a part of this race, thank you to the organizers. The EMPD did a great job in the intersections as well as on the road. Mpumalanga Traffic, well done. The winds was nasty and a lot of back markers were struggeling with cramps. Please go visit out Facebook page for some pictures of the race.

Cyclist safety at cycling events should be first priority in the minds of the organizers, sometimes this get neglected and the following occur: - Untrained Foot Marshals in intersections. - Foot Marshals that do not know the route. - Foot Marshals that does not have the necessary telephone numbers at hand in case of an emergency. - Motorcycle Marshals that has no training. No idea how to marshal traffic safely around cyclists. - Motorcycle Marshals that has no first aid training. - Motorcycle Marshals that actually endanger the lives of the cyclists, in stead of protecting it. - Motorcycle Marshals that has no consideration for other road users at the race. - Motorcycle Marshals without proper communications between them. I can carry on and on..but bottom line is... Safety should come first..

Yes, the Think Bike guys also doing a wonderful job. The more we can get the word out there, the better.

Thank you for the compliments, please keep them coming, good or bad. Would like to improve.

Hi Guys and Gals, I just want to put some perspective behind the Helivac Marshals intiative and service. There seem to be alot of confusion going on around who we are, and what we do. Here goes, please bear with me... We started a Marshaling group in June 2010, a group of us (5) that previously cycled as well. We were very concerned with the amount of fatalities and injuries sustained by cyclists during events, training rides etc. How can we make this better, how can we improve the situation? Since we all have motorcycles, we thought it best to use it as a tool to keep the guys safe. We got to know JP van Tonder from Helivac through the Cycling Training group in Alberton. After a brief meeting, JP offered his sponsorship to this small group, we will carry the brand, and Helivac will provide the finances. Thus, the Helivac Marshals were born. We have used the Training Rides in Alberton South as a training ground, and we still do. Since June 2010 we have grown in numbers and also established our own Section 21 organization with a board of directors comprising of the Marshals themselves. We have a recruitment policy in place to ensure we only accept the best Motorcyclists out there, the guys with the correct attitude and motivation. You will not believe it, but 90% of all our Marshals used to cycle in the past, some still do. Every trainee marshal has to undergo a strict training program, only after the candidate has displayed that he/she has mastered the required standard, he/she is accepted as an Helivac Marshal. Pointsman and First Aid training forms part of the syllibi. We do not receive millions of bucks each month, so sometimes we rely on donations, or the earnings from events to further the growth of the Helivac Marshals. We have also recently started a safety campaign for cyclists to ensure motorists and cyclists alike can Share the Road. The whole intitiative of the Helivac Marshals is based on passion, not only for the sport, but also for the Safety of the cyclists on the Road. due to the Marshals understanding of the sport, the high standard of training, and the proffessionalism, we can be a huge benefit to any event. We do not seek financial remuniration to line our pockets, we sometimes render the Services of the Helivac Marshals for free. Next time you see a Helivac Marshal standing in an intersection, or riding next to you in the race, or at the start/finish, come say howzit. We always appreciate the feedback and we are also very thankfull for the compliments. We carry some stickers with us, show your appreciation by asking for one and sticking it up for all to see. I salute all of you, With respect. Jasper Head Marshal and Chairman Helivac Marshals jasper@helivacmarshalls.co.za 082 443 9101 web: www.helivacmarshalls.co.za forum: www.bikemarshal.co.za

Who can we contact to get involved with the Motorcycle Marshaling for this race? We want to be able to keep the cyclist safe...?? Please drop me a mail, or phone me if you are interested: jasper@helivacmarshalls.co.za 082 443 9101 Thank you and kind regards, Jasper

Boksburg 29 September 2011 12:00] A man riding his bicycle in Boksburg was knocked off by a truck at the corner of Main Reef and Field Roads. It is not clear as to how the incident occurred, but the man was allegedly dragged some way underneath the truck before the driver was alerted to what was happening. The man in his early 20's suffered extensive injury and paramedics from the surrounding areas worked hand in hand to stabilise the man's severe injuries and get him to hospital quickly for the immediate treatment that he would require. The road was cordoned off and a Medicopter landed on the road to airlift the man to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg. The driver of the truck was not injured. Vanessa Jackson, ER24 084 222 1078

Thank you to CycleLab in Fourways for the assistance. You guys are absolutely fantastic. Thanks once again, will post some pics here...

We have been approached to assist with a Safety Awareness drive at the Discovery Health and Safety day this coming Friday.... The purpose of this drive is to exhibit and chat to all the Discovery employees about Cycling Safety. This will be at their offices in Sandton, where 5000 + employees work everyday, a great opportunity to create awareness for our two wheeled friends. We need the following for our exhibition: - A Crashed Bicycle - A Manikin dressed with Hi-Viz Cycling clothing, lights etc. - The clothing for the Manikin. - Maybe a MTB and/or road bike for lights, reflectors etc. If one of the bike shops can help us here, we will collect and return all the goods after the event. I will personally sign and take responsibility for it. Please, please contact me on: 082 443 9101 or jasper@helivacmarshalls.co.za Jasper

I am biting my tongue very hard here not to get involved in this conversation, that is why I asked that we please be excluded from this and our name not be mentioned here. Since it now bears down on Motorcyclists, I think that I should say something. Helivac Marshals are Motorcycle Marshals, concerned with the Safety of Cyclists. The majority of our Marshals, has been, or is still involved with cycling. Yes, we are bikers too, we do not allow our members to act maliciously towards other road users, although we feel we can strangle a couple every now and again (Read tongue in cheek) I see the screenshot and yes, do not agree with what has been said. It might have been said in jest, or as a joke, or for whatever reason in what ever context it might have been. I know Stranger, we worked together in the past, I was a Think Bike Marshal before. Stranger has had lots of input with regards to Cycling Safety, has put in allot of effort and also allot of his own time to ensure there are marshals at the races, or marshals at a training ride. So, Stranger and Think Bike, initial apology accepted. I think we should all do that. I do not condone the post, so don't get me wrong here. We are rivals, Think Bike and Helivac Marshals, we are competition. But that is not the point. There will always be arseholes on bikes out there, like there are motorists and pedestrian, or even cycle arseholes. There is a bigger picture, and that is Road Safety. We need to all down our fists and start working together, because it ain't gonna improve, it is going to go allot more worse before it will get allot better. Kind regards, and remember to SHARE THE ROAD out there..!! Jasper PS. Please now TB, don't go pull me apart, OK..!!

Please leave us, the Helivac Marshals, out of this discussion please. Thank you.

From the 3rd September 2011, Helivac South ride will start from 07:00 again.

Helivac Marshals will be there to keep the guys safe.

See you Saturday the 20th at 07:30.

The Turnout past Saturday was great. Thanks for the ride..