Cyclists fear for their lives16/02/2009 09:47 - (SA)

A cyclist was killed after being hit by a truck while training on Otto du Plessis Road in Milnerton, Cape Town. (William McIntosh)

Carryn-Ann Nel, Die Burger

Cape Town - A professional cyclist from Bellville says he fears for his life every time he trains on the road.

Former Springbok cyclist Chris Willemse jnr, 25, is worried after a fourth cyclist was killed in a short period of time.

Constantia businessman Colin van Schalkwyk, 43, who was well-known in business and cycling circles, was training for the Pick n Pay Cape Argus cycle tour on Saturday when he was hit by a truck. The accident happened on the R27 in Milnerton.

Van Schalkwyk and three teammates were heading in the direction of Cape Town when the two cyclists in the middle where hit by a truck, said Inspector Daphné Dell, a spokesperson for the Milnerton police station.

The other cyclist was admitted to Milnerton Medi-Clinic.

A bystander said that as Van Schalkwyk's body was wrapped in a blue blanket with a few blood drops on it, the voices of children at an amusement park across the road could be heard.
About two weeks ago, another cyclist, Craig Haskins, 40, from Bergvliet, died after being involved in a collision with a car on Ou Kaapse Weg.

Education

Willemse jnr said on Sunday it was incomprehensible that these accidents happened. "Motorists have to realise that cyclists don't have much protection - only their crash helmet. The only thing that can be done, is that people are educated about cyclists."

The issue of cyclist safety has once again been raised ahead of the Pick n Pay Cape Argus cycle tour. More than 35 000 cyclists are expected to take part in the event on March 8.

Cycle tour director, David Bellairs, described Van Schalkwyk as a well-known and respected cyclist. "It is tragic when things like this happen," he said.

He said cyclists also had a right to use public roads
.
"It is true that in summer there are more cyclists on the road. You would expect that motorists were more tolerant towards them. At the same time, cyclists have to be tolerant towards motorists."

He suggested that cyclists be aware of vehicles near them and that they ride behind one another. Another tip was that cyclists not ride with i-Pods in their ears.

He requested that motorists be considerate towards cyclists and drive about one metre away from them.

Public transport

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town is planning a meeting about the issue with various roleplayers.

Media Manager Kylie Hatton said the city council was looking into cycling as an important component of public transport.

"We want to encourage people to use it as an alternative means of commuting."

Pieter Cronjé, a spokesperson for the City of Cape Town, said it was important to realise that there was no quick fix or easy solution.

"You can only address a problem properly if you truly understand what the causes are," he said.

- Die Burger -->

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