Cyclists are easy targets

[RobStar69]

Cyclist are easy targets as I experienced on Sunday morning on a ride with four other cyclist to our local Tygerberg trail network. Normally we wouldn’t ride the route with 2 or 3 cyclist but with a group of 5 cyclists we set off from Virgin Active Sunningdale to head into the local trails. Riding from home always feels better maybe it’s the tar that allows you to warm up or the additional easy KM”s that make the experience better but in recent time this privilege has been taken away by the increased attacks on cyclist on the route leaving and entering the Sandown road area.

 

But having five male relatively strong cyclist I was confident that we would have no issues as our group was large enough I was wrong!

 

Just before 7 AM with an increasing volume of traffic on the road as we crossed the N7 we were attacked by two yes only two assailants ,I was sitting on the front of the group so I was able to see the first assailant pull his balaclava on while the second followed closely with a back pack which was used to try knock or pull the last cyclist off his bike.

 

Luckily the attacker lacked the coordination and strength to pull the cyclist off after making contact with the cyclist. The attack was perfectly planned at the correct spot as we started a small climb and the way they moved into our direction was perfect.

 

Guys be careful on the roads and  trails try cycle in numbers if possible stay away from hot spots even if you think you have the numbers it’s just not worth it.

 

A suggestion would be if possible to setup a map illustration the hot spots around the country so that cyclist who perhaps aren’t aware of the hot spots can avoid them where possible.

[Mamil]

Can you post a google map with a pin where this happened please?

 

Also - what happened after the initial attempt to dismount the last rider in your group? How did you get away?

[MTBeer]

Cyclist are easy targets as I experienced on Sunday morning on a ride with four other cyclist to our local Tygerberg trail network. Normally we wouldn’t ride the route with 2 or 3 cyclist but with a group of 5 cyclists we set off from Virgin Active Sunningdale to head into the local trails. Riding from home always feels better maybe it’s the tar that allows you to warm up or the additional easy KM”s that make the experience better but in recent time this privilege has been taken away by the increased attacks on cyclist on the route leaving and entering the Sandown road area.

 

But having five male relatively strong cyclist I was confident that we would have no issues as our group was large enough I was wrong!

 

Just before 7 AM with an increasing volume of traffic on the road as we crossed the N7 we were attacked by two yes only two assailants ,I was sitting on the front of the group so I was able to see the first assailant pull his balaclava on while the second followed closely with a back pack which was used to try knock or pull the last cyclist off his bike.

 

Luckily the attacker lacked the coordination and strength to pull the cyclist off after making contact with the cyclist. The attack was perfectly planned at the correct spot as we started a small climb and the way they moved into our direction was perfect.

 

Guys be careful on the roads and  trails try cycle in numbers if possible stay away from hot spots even if you think you have the numbers it’s just not worth it.

 

A suggestion would be if possible to setup a map illustration the hot spots around the country so that cyclist who perhaps aren’t aware of the hot spots can avoid them where possible.

That is a seriously dodgy road and area. Really don't know why okes still ride there. Often see solo riders as well.

 

Sorry. I wasn't having a go at you, just voicing an opinion.

[Wannabe]

On the PPA website, top right hand side of the banner, there is an icon named "Crime Hot spots"

You can report all incidents there.

[Headshot]

Our world - call it what you will, is shrinking all the time. We all need to be hyper aware whether we are remembering to lock our doors at home, set the alarm, or pick a safe bike route. I have never felt unsafe on my local green belt trails but since the recent spate of attacks I will not ride the more secluded areas like the tracks along the M3. Luckily there are alternatives and the lower slopes of Tokai appear to still be okay...

[RobStar69]

Fortunately we were doing a high enough speed to carry on the issues generally is that the rider at the front can see what’s happening while the riders behind are holding the wheel they are not aware of what is about to happen.

 

Once it happened I think we were all in shock and didn’t believe what just happened by then the perps were too far away for us to give chase but to be honest to take a risk and not know how they are armed seems like a stupid idea in hind sight.

 

It happened at the last traffic light just before you cross over the N7.

 

 

[RobStar69]

Our world - call it what you will, is shrinking all the time. We all need to be hyper aware whether we are remembering to lock our doors at home, set the alarm, or pick a safe bike route. I have never felt unsafe on my local green belt trails but since the recent spate of attacks I will not ride the more secluded areas like the tracks along the M3. Luckily there are alternatives and the lower slopes of Tokai appear to still be okay...

so sad that a ride needs to be planned like a combat operation

[Twaatie]

That is a seriously dodgy road and area. Really don't know why okes still ride there. Often see solo riders as well.

 

Sorry. I wasn't having a go at you, just voicing an opinion.

Second that

 

Think last year sometime, same thing happened on that stretch of road

[Help.Me.]

The sad part of this story is that it is never going to get better.....i am battling with people setting snares in our veld , they have nearly wiped out all our game. I was in meetings with top blokes from  SAPS , they catch the buggers and 2 days later the rubbish is let loose again. I am at a point where i am thinking of getting someone to wipe the scum off the face of the earth. Sorry for my rant, i had to put a kudu calf out off his misery because the mother was caught in a snare....   

[Skylark]

If 5 riders isn't a big enough group then what the heck are people supposed to do, co-ordinating a big group is a pita nevermind when you get a gap to ride or are in the mood to go. OK I'm keen to ride let me try rustle up 10 people who are like minded and will be ready in the next 45mins...

 

The other thing that's very telling is how brazen these guys are, as if they know 100% they won't get chased down or harassed by the people they attack.

 

For instance if some hubbers had beef with another group of hubbers would 2 of them try attack a group of 5 other hubbers and not be afraid of any repurcussions, to attempt that they would either need to be MMA roid junkies or just accept that they are probably going to get their asses kicked.

 

The criminals see bike riders as lame sitting ducks, easy prey, so not surprisingly these incidents are on the increase all over the country.

 

All I can think of is jet type pepper spray, you can apply an effective dosage from a distance that will dissuade further attacks and then get the hell out of there.

[RobStar69]

If 5 riders isn't a big enough group then what the heck are people supposed to do, co-ordinating a big group is a pita nevermind when you get a gap to ride or are in the mood to go. OK I'm keen to ride let me try rustle up 10 people who are like minded and will be ready in the next 45mins...

 

The other thing that's very telling is how brazen these guys are, as if they know 100% they won't get chased down or harassed by the people they attack.

 

For instance if some hubbers had beef with another group of hubbers would 2 of them try attack a group of 5 other hubbers and not be afraid of any repurcussions, to attempt that they would either need to be MMA roid junkies or just accept that they are probably going to get their asses kicked.

 

The criminals see bike riders as lame sitting ducks, easy prey, so not surprisingly these incidents are on the increase all over the country.

 

All I can think of is jet type pepper spray, you can apply an effective dosage from a distance that will dissuade further attacks and then get the hell out of there.e have always spoke about safety in number obviously this doesn't work anymore that was kind of my point its not like they had the numbers we had the numbers and we were still seen as a targets

 

 

 people always talk about safety in number is obviously is no longer the case that kind of my point here yes the area is not 100% safe but at 7am when its light cars on the road and you have the numbers and they still have no issue with attacking when there is only two of them this is super concerning.

[The Ghost]

They have cottoned on to two things.

1) The bystander effect.

2) Even in groups, most people are not prepared to defend.

[Fruity]

I got this a little while ago. I mainly keep it in my car, but will take it with me on training rides in future - I guess it still won't stop a bullet.

[Skylark]

I got this a little while ago. I mainly keep it in my car, but will take it with me on training rides in future - I guess it still won't stop a bullet.

Those things work but you need to be in close quarters and hunt for a suitable location on the guys body to zap him, the ones you can shoot a dart and shock the guy would be good.

 

Still when you make that thing crackle most people think twice about getting to close to you.