Table Mountain Hot Spot

[Cassie]

Guys, just bought myself a nice compact tazer....2,8 million Volts! I plan to carry that on me when cycling alone...

 

My question is this....If the victim had carried one of these tazers, would it had made a difference? did he have time to get tazer into a position to zap the crap out of assailant???

 

Guys, any feedback regarding my question?? I got a tazer for R160...it's quite compact and light weight...

what is the general opinion on resisting & defending yourself??

[New Landy new life]

I rode on Saturday afternoon and saw two green patrol SANPARKS vehicles, one at base of plumb pudding, the other driving on the way to dear park side. They chewed me out for riding alone, but soon enough a few more bikes came past me, so the numbers thing will probably work in our favour.

[kandui]

I also have a tazer, but have never carried it on my rides. You have to get into a close combat situation with the attacker and he will be prepared and most likely already have a weapon at the ready. Can you respond within seconds after being ambushed and pull the tazer from your back pocket, or elsewhere?

You'd still have to switch it on (a small sliding switch in most cases), but by now you're being pulled off your bike and your hands are all over the place.

I would guess that only one or two people would be able to make a go of getting a couple of zaps in, but not the rest of us.

These guys won't give you prior warning that they are going to attack you, so it's all about reaction time while falling to the ground,having a bike stuck between your legs and someone tackling you.

I have thought about buying a hand gun which shoots those lead pellets we remember from air rifles when we were kids. They look pretty authentic and you could strap it to the handlebar in a holster. They can inflict some serious pain, but you've got to be a good shot and again, you've got to have the time to get it into your hands, ready to fire.

 

Whatever you choose to carry on your person, have it at the ready when you get into the danger area. That would be my advice. Ride through the area as if something is going to happen and keep your eyes wide open and ride in such a way that you are prepared for a guy jumping you from behind a bush. If you have ridden the mountain enough times, you will know where the potential hiding places are and where there is less likelihood of an ambush-style attack.

Please note that there is also the scenario of a guy walking past you and then turning and grabbing you from behind.

 

There are areas on the mountain which I have no concern about riding on my own and there have been no attacks since I started getting involved with the TM Safety Forum and then established TMB.

 

I don't ride with a weapon, because I don't want to have to arm myself to go for a ride. Rather stick in a group or join up with other riders before crossing the affected area.

Edited January 14, 2013 by kandui

[RobStormD]

I saw the signs up this morning still - great stuff. I ride alone this route a couple of times a week but was pleased this morning when another rider was commuting at the same time as me. We rode together through the hot spot then split up thereafter. Linking up is a great option if other riders are around. OCCUPY THE MOUNTAIN and keep it busy.

 

I think the spotter idea is excellent and would gladly contribute an annual fee for increased peace of mind. Also getting sponsorship for a branded hut would be great publicity for the sponsor within the biker community. And much appreciated !

 

These MTB routes are such a fantastic asset to our city. We need to look after them.

 

See you on the mountain ... (in about 30 mins).

Edited January 14, 2013 by RobStormD

['Dale]

Guys, just bought myself a nice compact tazer....2,8 million Volts! I plan to carry that on me when cycling alone...

 

My question is this....If the victim had carried one of these tazers, would it had made a difference? did he have time to get tazer into a position to zap the crap out of assailant???

 

Careful now, Cassie.

Don't get zapped by your own zapper.

[RobStormD]

 

 

How about printing/selling Occupy Table Mountain T-Shirts - add in the outline of a Walker + Runner + Rider. Raise funds for security.

[kandui]

3 surveillance cameras arrived from China yesterday and I am picking them up today. Locations will be kept confidential, but the cameras will be moved around regularly.

These 3 cameras belong to Table Mountain Bikers and the information is shared with San Parks. We have an equal say in where the cameras are to be set up.

What I would like to ask every mountain biker, hiker, walker and runner: If you happen to find one of these cameras, please , leave them alone!! They are there for your protection and serve no purpose if you steal or vandalise them. If you do happen to find one, pat yourself on the back, and move on.

They are motion activated, so if you are the p..ck who decides to beak or steal it, we will have a photo of you.

And we will find you!

[kandui]

 

 

How about printing/selling Occupy Table Mountain T-Shirts - add in the outline of a Walker + Runner + Rider. Raise funds for security.

Good idea , will look into it

[mikkelz]

Any updates on the safety in this area? Just want to check if it's still an area to be avoided...

[kandui]

Hi Mikkelz

The area has been quiet since the incident I reported on this thread.

I am not aware of any incidents.

[mikkelz]

That's great to hear!