The increase in bike-jackings has caused much concern in the cycling community. Here’s how to prevent a bike-jacking and quite possibly, save a life.
[Answer our poll: Has the increase in bike-jackings affected your riding?]
* Ride in groups of three or more – better still, join a local club. Almost all clubs have organised group rides . (We are busy compiling a comprehensive list of all the clubs in SA)
* If you have no choice but to ride alone, find out from clubs or bike shops which are the safest routes to ride.
* Where possible, ride on the tar road (or next to it) to ensure you are visible to other road-users and therefore less isolated.
* If you see pedestrians or suspicious characters ahead, adjust your line or your route in order to avoid passing close to them.
* Avoid riding in areas you are not familiar with. This makes you less likely to anticipate – and react to – trouble.
* Don’t carry firearms when riding – this could make the situation worse if confronted by a bikejacker.
* Follow Our Right2Ride on Twitter (http://twitter.com/right2ride) and bicyclesafetysa (http://twitter.com/bicyclesafetysa) – both are aimed at creating awareness for bicycle safety.
* Join any safety awareness rides in your area. Capetonians, there is one taking place on 28 August at 9am, Kloof Nek.
* Report all incidents via our Facebook and Twitter streams to spread the word and hashtag it #bikesafetyfirst
* Register on the National Bicycle Registry. The idea being if ever your bike is stolen, you report it on the registry, which is available for the public, and law enforcement officials to view.
Let’s all combine forces to raise awareness and create a safer cycling environment for all.
I ride mountain bike from Blairgowrie all along the river to East gate and the opposite direction at least three time a week. After numerous situations I have organised some bear pepper spray from Canada that they use on the Grizzly bears when they get to close to the people in Yellow Stone Park , Hope I never have to use it……………
Even a group of three is not enough. Agroup of six was recently attacked in Centurion and all six bikes taken.
@Marius Robbertze,
Sounds like a fun route, I go from Bordeaux, to Rivonia, then back again to Emarentia, ever wanna hook up to ride, message me on FB https://www.facebook.com/IcemanGP
I prefer to ride in Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria, or with the Johannesburg MTB Club. But for Groenkloof I ride by road from and to Centurion. Fairly safe so far. Touch wood!
Atandem is strongly advised and most suitable for South African safety concerns with resent bikejackings as reported in various newspapers and Carte Blanche especially for couples such as husband and wife teams , parent and child, friends teams and other partners that wants to cycle together. Where both need to practice but have different needs and goals. For instance one might be stronger and more competitive, the other might be more inclined to enjoy relaxed cycling and want to absorb the scenery off outdoors, a Tandem MTB will ensure both needs are met.