Safety on the Braamfontein Spruit?

[ByronH]

Hi guys..

 

its been a while since I have seen incident reports along the Braamfontein Spruit, Emmarentia, Marks Park stretch.

 

I only cycle a small portion of it on my way to work in the mornings, but want to do a proper, long spruit ride one of these weekday mornings... alone... is it too much of a risk?

 

 

[Chris_]

I've been as far as the PicknPay at William Nicol. Running, felt 100% safe. It was though on a weekend morning, and not at the crack of dawn.

[Dirkitech]

I've been as far as the PicknPay at William Nicol. Running, felt 100% safe. It was though on a weekend morning, and not at the crack of dawn.

I was also recently advised that from the William Nicol pnp section towards marks park is safe enough, but not the other direction. Honestly, I haven't tried it yet due to time, but my point is CBlake gives a good suggestion.

[ByronH]

I was also recently advised that from the William Nicol pnp section towards marks park is safe enough, but not the other direction. Honestly, I haven't tried it yet due to time, but my point is CBlake gives a good suggestion.

 

Thanks, And by other direction you mean from William Nicol PnP towards Paulshof?

[m-squared]

Thanks, And by other direction you mean from William Nicol PnP towards Paulshof?

 

That section runs next to an informal settlement so it is best to ride in a group.  

[Chris_]

I had planned a while ago to go from Parkhurst which is where I join the trail, all the way North to the top of Rivonia where it ends. I just need the weather to cool off a bit first, I'll give you feedback if I ever make it.

[Dirkitech]

Thanks, And by other direction you mean from William Nicol PnP towards Paulshof?

No no, the exact opposite direction, going towards marks park/emmarentia park. Hope I understood correct.

[Danger Dassie]

That section runs next to an informal settlement so it is best to ride in a group.  

 

That section is probably one of the safest sections thanks to that crew. They're mostly from Lesotho from what I gather and are the recyclable waste sorters we often see on the roads.

The settlement has grown over the last two years though and could bring about it's own problems, something to monitor. Some businesses in the area have been proactive though in interacting and trying to assist in managing the situation. Due to the fact that the city and mayor's office are more of a stumbling block than assistance, apparently and allegedly that is. 

It was put forward some time ago that they be inegrated into a formal or semi-formal enviroment with proper sorting infrastructure and some kind of housing. On the upper section towards William Nicol. Not sure what ever came of it, possibly binned as too proactive and not grand enough to garner votes. 

[Danger Dassie]

Ridden both directions upto Alberts Farm and upto Chili Lane in Sunninghill. 
Felt a need to for extra caution once over Witkoppen towards Sunninghill. I don't why, perhaps because it's so quiet there. 
Other spots I pay extra attention to is the river crossing just before Pick 'n Pay, coming from Old Parks. Also Alberts Farm sometimes.
Generally though find the Spruit to be fine, especially now that the holiday season is over and there are more people on the spaces.

[Chris_]

Ran the length from Parkhurst spruit entry, to the top where the trail just kind of ended at the base of the N1 highway, and back down on Saturday morning. 

As far as the 'settlement' near PnP on WIlliam Nicol it was fine. If you just say hello you'd be surprised at the size of the greeting that comes back.

I did run into the Parkrunners in Bryanston which was a complete disaster. AVOID.

The only advice I'd give, (and I know this is easier said being a runner) is to avoid going under some of the bridges, rather take the bank and cross the road overhead. If something were to go down, you're a real sitting duck if the path is blocked under a bridge.

Otherwise its a really nice route. I hope you work up near Riverclub because popping out at the golf course is take-your-breath-away beautiful.

[dave303e]

I run the spruit between Jack and Sprocket and Bot gardens a lot in the afternoons, never feel unsafe, Delta also feels really safe at the moment. That being said this is JHB and never let your guard down but don't let it stop you having fun.

[Matuka]

Ive ridden the spruit from the Field and study (with the informal settlement) to the top of Delta every day for work for the last year and so far so good. The only danger I've had so far is some nasty falls trying to better my commute home record 

[ByronH]

Ran the length from Parkhurst spruit entry, to the top where the trail just kind of ended at the base of the N1 highway, and back down on Saturday morning. 

 

As far as the 'settlement' near PnP on WIlliam Nicol it was fine. If you just say hello you'd be surprised at the size of the greeting that comes back.

 

I did run into the Parkrunners in Bryanston which was a complete disaster of clean-shoe'd overly kitted out vitality point wh*res flooding the paths. AVOID.

 

The only advice I'd give, (and I know this is easier said being a runner) is to avoid going under some of the bridges, rather take the bank and cross the road overhead. If something were to go down, you're a real sitting duck if the path is blocked under a bridge.

 

Otherwise its a really nice route. I hope you work up near Riverclub because popping out at the golf course is take-your-breath-away beautiful.

 

Thanks for the report back bud.

[Wet Ears]

On the question of safety - I ride it alone from Riverside shops to Emmarentia and have never had an issue - touch wood

[Kevin11]

Heads up to all cyclists using spruit.

2 mountain bikers held up this morning 6:50am at the long concrete bridge below Old Parks.

2 assailants - armed with handgun and knife. One younger, tall and skinny wearing dark pants and top. Older was bald and wearing brown jersey.

Cellphones and watches stolen, bike tyres slashed. No injuries.

Please be vigilant and stay safe.

Edited March 28, 2021 by Kevin11

[Chris_]

*******

 

Slashed tyres, come on