Renewed calls for cyclist safety following recent fatalities in Cape Town
Image: Stay wider of the rider
THE safety of cyclists has once again been thrust into the spotlight after a series of tragic incidents in and around Cape Town left the local cycling community reeling, with at least five cyclists killed or injured in recent days.
The latest incident on Saturday involves three cyclists who were involved in a collision with a tour bus on Chapman's Peak Drive, according to Pedal Power Association (PPA).
'One of the cyclists passed away at the scene of the crash whilst the other was airlifted to hospital and the third sustained lesser injuries.'
In another incident, a bicycle technician from Olympic Cycles, according to PPA, was struck by a vehicle in Claremont after swerving to avoid a suddenly opened car door.
Three cyclists were involved in a serious collision with a tour bus on Chapman's Peak Drive, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.
Image: Supplied
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Another cyclist sustained injuries when hit by a truck in an alleged hit-and-run incident along Wellington Road in Durbanville. Two more were injured on Bottelary Road during a collision with a vehicle.
Police were still investigating the circumstances leading to the death of 76-year-old cyclist Dennis Hammar, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital after being attacked and robbed while cycling along the N1 near FW de Klerk Boulevard last week.
Cyclist Neil Benjamin last year flagged the dangers along the Lower Church Street turn-off to Woodstock from the N1.
Cyclist, Dennis Hammar, 76 , has died after an attack and robbery.
Image: Facebook
'Cyclists in general, we are always telling everybody how great the Cape Cycle tour is but what happens before and after that? We've gotta protect the cyclists. They started instituting patrol with the metro police and they did a great job. They were there at 5am almost every morning, then they were there between 3pm and 8pm in the evening as well. People see there's a police presence, then they just move their operation further down,' said Benjamin.
Safety and security mayco member JP Smith said in the last year, the area around the Lower Church Street bridge has become a hotspot for cyclists, and motorists.
'In the interim, Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic works in support of Woodstock SAPS to conduct as many patrols of the area as resources allow, due to the ongoing attacks associated with this unlawful occupation. The City appeals to everyone to always remain vigilant, to use routes/areas that are well-lit and busy, to reduce the risk of falling victim to crime,' said Smith.
Urban Mobility mayco member Rob Quintas said they were undertaking a revision and update of the Road Safety Strategy and Traffic Calming Policy.
'By 2028, the City aims to strengthen partnerships to raise awareness and improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, addressing unacceptable fatality rates. Existing network and infrastructure planning programmes will be refocused and implementation thereof prioritised.
'Wherever possible, cyclists are advised to cycle in groups and avoid cycling during dark hours. The City and the Western Cape Government Infrastructure department continue to work collaboratively to address issues of mutual concern, especially addressing the safety of road users,' Quintas said.
Cape Times
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The South African
05-08-2025
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Call for action after Cape cyclist attacked, killed
Dennis Hammar, who completed over 40 consecutive Cape Town Cycle Tours and was a beloved figure in the cycling community, tragically passed away after he was attacked and robbed while out on a ride. The 76-year-old succumbed to his injuries after he was attacked when cycling from Paarden Eiland on the N1, joining FW de Klerk Boulevard on the Foreshore, with an unidentified male reported to have pushed him off his bike before stealing his cellphone. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but was unable to recover from his injuries, which included multiple fractures. Neil Robinson, the CEO of the Pedal Power Association, raised concerns about ongoing attacks on cyclists, particularly in crime hot spots. 'We are very saddened to hear of another death, it has been ongoing problem and there has been interventions from the SAPS and we are appealing to cyclists to avoid these areas.' A local Cape community group also made a post on social media, highlight how heartbreaking this latest incident was. 'Cape Town, our beloved Mother City, is breaking our hearts again. Just weeks after a hiker's life was shattered on Table Mountain, another tragedy has struck. 'Dennis completed over 40 consecutive Cape Town Cycle Tours, his love for this city shining through every pedal stroke. But that love was not returned. His wife, Sharon, now faces unimaginable grief, left with a painful truth: The city and country he loved so much have let us all down. 'This is what loss looks like: 'A cycling community silenced, their rides now haunted by the absence of a legend. 'A family torn apart, their memories of laughter replaced by endless sorrow. 'A widow, alone in the dawn's quiet, clutching memories of her 'darling husband,' asking why Cape Town turned so heartless. 'Our streets, once alive with runners, cyclists, and walkers, are now shadowed by fear. From Table Mountain to city bridges, spaces of freedom have become sites of violence. 'How many more must suffer before we act? How many more vigils, tributes, or posts before empty promises turn into real change? 'To our leaders: Words of condolence are not enough. We need action, stronger policing, better lighting, and accountability for criminals.' Stay Wider of the Rider group supported a memorial ride for Hammar this past weekend, which was organised by Club100 Cycling Cape Town. 'Dennis was a husband, father and grandfather and we are devastated by this incident which stems from ongoing attacks on cyclist,' the group shared on social media. Councillor Ian McMahon from City of Cape Town addressed the cyclists about safety issues in Woodstock and the CBD during the memorial ride, and a letter with concerns were handed over by Craig Sedras on behalf of the club to the City and the PPA. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS TRAGIC STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
04-08-2025
- IOL News
Renewed calls for cyclist safety following recent fatalities in Cape Town
Three cyclists were involved in a serious collision with a tour bus on Chapman's Peak Drive, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Image: Stay wider of the rider THE safety of cyclists has once again been thrust into the spotlight after a series of tragic incidents in and around Cape Town left the local cycling community reeling, with at least five cyclists killed or injured in recent days. The latest incident on Saturday involves three cyclists who were involved in a collision with a tour bus on Chapman's Peak Drive, according to Pedal Power Association (PPA). 'One of the cyclists passed away at the scene of the crash whilst the other was airlifted to hospital and the third sustained lesser injuries.' In another incident, a bicycle technician from Olympic Cycles, according to PPA, was struck by a vehicle in Claremont after swerving to avoid a suddenly opened car door. Three cyclists were involved in a serious collision with a tour bus on Chapman's Peak Drive, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Another cyclist sustained injuries when hit by a truck in an alleged hit-and-run incident along Wellington Road in Durbanville. Two more were injured on Bottelary Road during a collision with a vehicle. Police were still investigating the circumstances leading to the death of 76-year-old cyclist Dennis Hammar, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital after being attacked and robbed while cycling along the N1 near FW de Klerk Boulevard last week. Cyclist Neil Benjamin last year flagged the dangers along the Lower Church Street turn-off to Woodstock from the N1. Cyclist, Dennis Hammar, 76 , has died after an attack and robbery. Image: Facebook 'Cyclists in general, we are always telling everybody how great the Cape Cycle tour is but what happens before and after that? We've gotta protect the cyclists. They started instituting patrol with the metro police and they did a great job. They were there at 5am almost every morning, then they were there between 3pm and 8pm in the evening as well. People see there's a police presence, then they just move their operation further down,' said Benjamin. Safety and security mayco member JP Smith said in the last year, the area around the Lower Church Street bridge has become a hotspot for cyclists, and motorists. 'In the interim, Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic works in support of Woodstock SAPS to conduct as many patrols of the area as resources allow, due to the ongoing attacks associated with this unlawful occupation. The City appeals to everyone to always remain vigilant, to use routes/areas that are well-lit and busy, to reduce the risk of falling victim to crime,' said Smith. Urban Mobility mayco member Rob Quintas said they were undertaking a revision and update of the Road Safety Strategy and Traffic Calming Policy. 'By 2028, the City aims to strengthen partnerships to raise awareness and improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, addressing unacceptable fatality rates. Existing network and infrastructure planning programmes will be refocused and implementation thereof prioritised. 'Wherever possible, cyclists are advised to cycle in groups and avoid cycling during dark hours. The City and the Western Cape Government Infrastructure department continue to work collaboratively to address issues of mutual concern, especially addressing the safety of road users,' Quintas said. Cape Times
The South African
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The DEADLY week past for Western Cape cyclists
Following multiple fatal accidents involving Western Cape cyclists this past week, the Pedal Power Association (PPA) is asking for urgent intervention. The cycle organisation took to social media this past weekend confirming nearly half a dozen incidents. These resulted in the tragic death of two and serious injury of at least three Western Cape cyclists between Monday 28 June and Sunday 3 August 2025. One of the many dedicated cycling routes in Bree Street, Cape Town. Image: File According to the (PPA's) Facebook page, Western Cape cyclists are reeling after five harrowing incidents this past week. The Public Benefit Oragnisation (PBO) has more than 16 000 members. And it says it is committed to promoting cycling and the interests of cyclists in South Africa. Firstly, a Cape Town Cycle Tour veteran, Dennis Hammer, passed away at the beginning of last week due to complications. This occurred after emergency surgery following an unprovoked attack in the CBD that left Hammer with life-threatening injuries. Can anything more be done to keep Western Cape cyclists on popular routes in and around the peninsula? Image: File The next fatality took place on Chapman's Peak on Saturday 2 August 2025, confirms the PPA. There was a head-on collision between three cyclists and a tour bus on Chapman's Peak Drive, near a picnic site on the Hout Bay side. One of the cyclists passed away at the scene of the crash. Whilst the other was airlifted to hospital and the third sustained minor injuries. Furthermore, a Western Cape cyclist who works at Olympic Cycles was also injured last week in Claremont. He swerved out to prevent colliding with a car door that was opened in front of him. He was summarily hit by another vehicle. A fourth incident took place along Wellington Road in Durbanville when a cyclist sustained injuries when hit by a truck in a hit and run incident. And finally, a fifth Western Cape cyclist was injured on Bottelary Road when a vehicle collided with a group of cyclists. The PPA concluded by making an urgent appeal to all motorists and cyclists to practice caution and respect on the roads. And it expressed its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the Western Cape cyclists who lost their lives this week, as well as a speedy recovery to all those who've been injured. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
