The parks area jhb, interested new rider and safety concerns.

[Oldtimerza]

I'm new to riding and wanting to start doing some casual road riding for fitness and fun to coffee shops in the parks/greenside/Linden areas. 

I'll most likely be solo riding. I've started doing some research, and it's looking like this is a one way ticket to being mugged.

I have some questions for people staying in these areas, is it safe enough to ride around parkhurst/Linden/Greenside solo? Or should I sadly just get an indoor setup and do it at home.

[Guest Mike Dewing]

I live in parkhurst, cycle to Mellville for work, cycle around the parks and on weekends out to Broadacres and the cradle.. we do a group ride from dunkeld cycles every Friday morning but otherwise I’m always on my own.. never had any trouble.. 👍🏻

[thebob]

Personally, I wouldn't ride that area alone. Try a bike shop in the area to see if there is a club or organised ride that you can join to be safe

[Danger Dassie]

5 hours ago, thebob said:

Personally, I wouldn't ride that area alone. Try a bike shop in the area to see if there is a club or organised ride that you can join to be safe

Really? I live in the area and solo ride/run frequently in the Parks etc … as do many others. Safely.

@Oldtimerza if you’re looking for groups there’s a few in the area. Linden Cycles have a social Friday ride and Dunkeld also may have similar options. 

[Catatonic_Joe]

Hi, I live very close to the Botanical Gardens, there is a 7km trail inside the BG itself, all the entrances also have security so I would recommend riding there during the week or during times when the Spruit is quiet.

I ride to work during week as well, Roosevelt to Rosebank, it's pretty safe although I do ride during peak traffic hours in the morning and usually ride back at around 2ish.

The Spruit itself, I wouldn't recommend riding during the week, although I have seen people riding, on the weekends though, its quite busy and I know and have seen quite a few people riding alone, up until Conrad Drive at least, after Conrad it does get a little dodgy but if you with a decent size group (4+) I would go for it, I've done it a few time this ear and never had any issues, and it's a lekker ride.

If you want, we've got a MTB whatsapp group with guys in the area (Linden, Northcliff, Greenside etc.), you can PM me and I'll add you to the group, we usually ride on Sunday morning from BG to Conrad, sometimes further, as well as Alberts Farm area, it's lekker 30km+ MTB ride, and sometimes more.

[Catatonic_Joe]

Ok, and if its coffee you're after, theres'a guy that sells coffee at the BG entrance on Beyers, or there's the Fingers Crossed coffee shop at the shops by 5th and Thomas Bowler.

Edited July 30, 2025 by Catatonic_Joe

[Chad]

I've lived in Parkhurst and Northcliff for many years and ride these areas 2-4 times a week on the road. Many of these times solo but there is always a risk which you can't avoid in JHB. 

 

There was a mugging near Richmond the week before last but think that was opportunistic. Other than that i would just be vigilant on the road where it is nearby the spruit because when muggings spring up, it's usually around those areas for quick get aways. I'm not a mountain biker but i wouldn't cycle the spruit solo at all. 

If you ride the roads in the E2E route, they're generally busy with cyclists. 

 

[thebob]

5 hours ago, Danger Dassie said:

Really? I live in the area and solo ride/run frequently in the Parks etc … as do many others. Safely.

@Oldtimerza if you’re looking for groups there’s a few in the area. Linden Cycles have a social Friday ride and Dunkeld also may have similar options. 

One of my uncles has been mugged several times out walking and cycling in the area. Rather safe than sorry in my view

Edited July 30, 2025 by thebob

[Nancy Drew]

On 7/30/2025 at 8:14 PM, thebob said:

One of my uncles has been mugged several times out walking and cycling in the area. Rather safe than sorry in my view

I'm sorry that your uncle has had this experience. I think sometimes one can just be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I would echo @Danger Dassie's sentiment. I've been riding in and around the area solo for many years without incident. My commute from Northcliff to Rosebank takes me through Linden and Greenside and so far I've never had a problem. Maybe I've just been lucky.

[Oldtimerza]

Thanks all for the replies . Been very helpful. I've decided to get a bike just to potter around the suburbs for excercise.