Cyclist hijackings in the Cradle on the rise
People in a white bakkie pretended to have hit a cyclist and when a cyclist riding by tried to help, they robbed him.
Over the past few weeks, the number of bicycle hijackings in the Cradle of Humankind has increased drastically and various organisations are worried that cyclists have become easy targets.
Annelize Harding, director of CycleSure, a bicycle insurance company, has issued a warning to cyclists to be extra careful when cycling after the latest cyclist hijacking.
Image: CycleSure.
“On Thursday, 9 November, a cyclist noticed a white bakkie standing at the side of the road near the Bidon Bistro in the Cradle,” Harding said.
“In front of the bakkie there was a bicycle and someone who looked like a cyclist lying on the ground. To the cyclist driving by it appeared to be a collision between the two and he stopped to help. Unfortunately, people got out of the bakkie and robbed him of his bicycle and his cellphone. They assaulted him and used various weapons to intimidate him.”
The cyclist reported the incident to CycleSure, and is now warning people not to fall into the same trap.
Also Read: UPDATE: Cyclist killer still at large
“That is why we decided to send out an alert to inform cyclists about what had happened. The Cradle is always filled with cyclists but it’s quieter in the week and people tend to cycle alone. They become easy targets. We want our cyclists to be safe and enjoy their experiences, but we need them to be vigilant while doing so.”
Harding gave the following tips on how to keep safe while cycling in the Cradle:
• Rather than stopping to assist, call emergency services when you’re alone and feel uncomfortable about stopping.
• Try not to cycle alone, especially during the week when the roads are quieter.
• Always keep identification with you. This also assists emergency services with important information if you’re knocked down.
• CycleSure provides special numbered wrist-bands with one of its packages. If someone calls emergency services and gives the number to them, all your details – next of kin, blood type, medical aid etc.– are available.
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