Statement by Robin Carlisle, MEC of Transport and Public Works, Barbaric attack on motorist by cycling group condemned

04 Mar 2014

I condemn, in the strongest terms, the barbaric alleged attack of a group of cyclists on a motorist on the morning of 2 March 2014. The alleged attack took place on Beach Road towards Cape Town CBD, and was recorded by another motorist. The gruesome visuals tell the harrowing story of intolerance and a serious lack of consideration for others occupying the shared space that is our roads.

What makes it worse is that video footage indicates that the cyclists involved in the incident were, themselves, operating in complete disregard of the law by insisting on riding more than one abreast; the law is very clear in that it requires cyclists riding on the open road, outside of an organised event, to ride in single file.

This type of incident goes against everything my department has done over the past 5 years not only to ensure cyclist safety (through various interventions and the passing of the regulation requiring motorists to leave a gap of 1 meter when passing cyclists), but the safety of all other road users, who are encouraged to make use of the road in the spirit of mutual respect, as well as respect for the shared space which we all occupy.

I accept that these cycling hooligans represent a small part of the cycling community, and am sure that the broader community would join me in condemning such violence by members of their cycling fraternity, however incidents similar to these are on the rise with stories of road rage surfacing far too frequently; some in the past having resulted in death.

We will be keeping a close eye on the investigation into the incident and will do all we can to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Statement issued by Robin Carlisle, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, March 4 2014

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