Cape Town danger areas

[DJR]

This mornings incident is not isolated. It's something I have experienced a few times over last few years.

I have been so far left I may as well have been in the gutter;

Today I was near the top. No other cars. Two lanes with broken white line.

Dude comes racing past and hoots.

Then on his way down he crosses solid white line to make apex of turn or to show me "watch out!"?

Either way he was speeding on his way back down.

I would write a carefully considered, polite, but firm e-mail to the owner of the company. State the facts, time and place and ask him to ensure that his employees are made aware of the potential risk injuring or killing a cyclist. Mention that the bad publicity will not be beneficial to the company. Further mention that the permission to use that launch site, within a National Park, in one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, is a privilege that should not be taken for granted and that could easily be lost if bad behaviour becomes the norm. He will have a permit to use the site, that permit must need renewal from time to time. If the owner was himself involved, hopefully he will take notice. His response will determine your next move. If positive, let it go. If not, complain to SANParks, the Mayor of Cape Town, Alan Winde (Western Cape Tourism) and a few more you can think up.

[firewolf]

DJR that is very good advice!!

Thanks.

[DJR]

DJR that is very good advice!!

Thanks.

Years ago, I had a similar issue with the big tour buses on Champans Peak. That is roughly what I did and I was pleasantly surprised at how positive the replies were from each of the tour operators. They included "cyclist awareness", for lack of a better description, in their driver training and assessment. I like to think that it led to an improvement. Yes, I still get the occasional bus passing too closely, but none of the "let's play chicken" type incidents. Much more often they wait and give me enough space.

[firewolf]

Yes. Your advised plan of action is proactive and positive. And it goes straight to those who are accountable.

Was nearly taken out by a red city bus while back. Emailed directors: positive response. No issues with those buses since then.

[Simon123]

I'm going to be in Lakeside over Xmas. What roads must I avoid towards Cape point and on the Atlantic side. Riding MTB bit need to do tits, so will be wearing my knobblies out on the tar. TIA

Lakeside can very quickly get you onto the greenbelt if you shoot down main road, hook a left at Tokai Road (VW / Engen), past Blue Route Mall and then onto the Greenbelt.  Save those Knobblies.  You could easily do all the way into Cape Town and back if you want.

 

When back in CPT I do Boyes Drive (past Lakeside) about 3 times a week on my road bike (well, hybrid), and will probably do it to Kalk Bay, then onto Simons Town for a Red Hill climb or two, and then back via Black Hill and Fish Koek / Kalk Bay.     Can share the route with you if you want?

[deanbean]

Lakeside can very quickly get you onto the greenbelt if you shoot down main road, hook a left at Tokai Road (VW / Engen), past Blue Route Mall and then onto the Greenbelt. Save those Knobblies. You could easily do all the way into Cape Town and back if you want.

 

When back in CPT I do Boyes Drive (past Lakeside) about 3 times a week on my road bike (well, hybrid), and will probably do it to Kalk Bay, then onto Simons Town for a Red Hill climb or two, and then back via Black Hill and Fish Koek / Kalk Bay. Can share the route with you if you want?

That would be great. Need to put in some base miles, so tar is best. Pm me your route

 

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

['Dale]

Old Helz, about 1/3 up on one of the bends       

 

Attacked by two skollies at 7 AM this morning.

One with a kitchen knife and the other with a stick.

 

Fortunately, myself and my buddy won the chase uphill.

The knife was thrown and I have a minor cut on my arm. 

 

There was no security at the gate this time.

We reported the incident to the local police.

 

Be safe out there, fellow riders. 

[cfcjim]

Glad that you escaped.

And weren't seriously hurt.

Your fitness saved you.

[DJR]

Old Helz, about 1/3 up on one of the bends       

 

Attacked by two skollies at 7 AM this morning.

One with a kitchen knife and the other with a stick.

 

Fortunately, myself and my buddy won the chase uphill.

The knife was thrown and I have a minor cut on my arm. 

 

There was no security at the gate this time.

We reported the incident to the local police.

 

Be safe out there, fellow riders. 

Glad you are OK Dale. Thanks to the million miles of training you did

[FootballingCyclist]

Hi All...(apologies if there is already a thread for this incident)

 

Not cycling related but received this on our cycling group yesterday afternoon .. I usually do Boyes in the week and now thinking twice... See messages below..

 

"Please spread the word on ALL your groups (permission has been granted).

4 Hikers stabbed above St James, more victims at Kalk Bay. SkyMed chopper deployed. Looking for 2-3 BMs running together or acting suspiciously between Jacobs Ladder, St James and Trappieskop, Kalk Bay/Clovelly. Please report to SAPS URGENTLY if seen"...

 

The 1 victim is friends with a few of the guys a ride with, Head is pretty bad, He was discharged from hospital yesterday after the incident but head was apparently bleeding again pretty badly last night...

 

Be careful out there please guys...

[Andrew_Smith]

Glad you guys are okay 'Dale. 

 

Cannot believe how dangerous it became for us cyclists.

[Wannabe]

'Dale, glad you and old "Skinny" is ok.

We went over Klapmuts / Simondium to Fransies this morning, glad we did.

['Dale]

Subsequent report along the ???? vine

 

Same skollies

 

‘Just had attempted bike jacking on hellshoogte pass. Five of us in group. Two black guys with knife and rocks

Nic fought back. X and Y have few scrapes but not stabbed. I sprinted off up the climb and hid behind bushes

Police have escorted us up to the top of the pass. Now need to give statements. Caught one of the guys.’

[Bloukrans]

Old Helz, about 1/3 up on one of the bends

 

Attacked by two skollies at 7 AM this morning.

One with a kitchen knife and the other with a stick.

 

Fortunately, myself and my buddy won the chase uphill.

The knife was thrown and I have a minor cut on my arm.

 

There was no security at the gate this time.

We reported the incident to the local police.

 

Be safe out there, fellow riders.

Glad you ok

Be safe out there

[DJR]

Subsequent report along the vine

 

Same skollies

 

‘Just had attempted bike jacking on hellshoogte pass. Five of us in group. Two black guys with knife and rocks

Nic fought back. X and Y have few scrapes but not stabbed. I sprinted off up the climb and hid behind bushes

Police have escorted us up to the top of the pass. Now need to give statements. Caught one of the guys.’

Glad to hear they caught one.  

[Cippo]

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/helshoogte-pass-knife-hell-for-five-cyclists-12745147