As residents are starting to get back outdoors with several exercise restrictions eased during Level 3, a different concern is emerging. An increase in attacks has been noted since the start of Level 3 and cyclists are being warned to be cautious.
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) said that the spike in crime targeting cyclists started in Level 4.
“There were numerous bike-jacking incidents around the country within that first week. Criminals were quick to calculate that cyclists could only leave their premises at 6am for a short time period until 9am, so bike-jackers anticipated this exodus from the suburbs and reacted accordingly,” Rens Rezelman, PPA chairperson told IOL.
Earlier this week, a cyclist was brutally attacked and robbed of his bicycle near Steenberg Village.
“We have seen hot spots in the past on the Ou Wapad near Noordhoek, up to the Mast on Constantiaberg, on the lower trails near UCT – the list goes on. Many of these criminals have been caught or chased away and then the frequency of crime in that particular spot dissipates again,” Rezelman added.
Over the past few weeks there have been several attacks on joggers and cyclists as lockdown level 3 is implemented. Some of these have occurred along Steenberg Road.
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— Pedal Power (PPA) (@PedalPowerPPA) June 9, 2020
Cyclists are urged to remain vigilant and consider only going to exercise when it is light out, not in secluded areas and not alone. Keeping social distancing protocols in mind, cycling with a partner is always recommended.
“Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you,” the PPA says on its website.
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