[imagesource:jagfoundation/facebook]
In a ‘freak accident’, a teen cyclist from Bonteheuwel died after colliding with the door of a Mercedes-Benz that was parked on Beach Road.
Calib de Kock, 17, of the Phoenix Cycling Club, died on Tuesday after sustaining a serious head injury in the crash
The teen, believed to have been cycling on the road when the driver allegedly opened his door directly in front of him, was unable to react in time and collided with the vehicle.
De Kock was a Grade 11 pupil at Bonteheuwel High School.
Police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana, confirmed that Sea Point police are investigating the incident.
“According to reports, the cyclist, a 17-year-old male, was riding on his bike on Tuesday June 11, when he collided with a motor vehicle. He was transported to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.”
CEO of the Pedal Power Association Neil Robinson said the incident is a reflection of the ongoing challenges cyclists face in the country.
“This is a tragic accident, a person opening a car door and the cyclist riding into the car door. We are well aware that this is a very big problem area, especially in narrow road areas.”
“Every accident is of great concern to us. Unfortunately, there are too many avoidable bike crashes on our roads due to the rules of the road not being obeyed.”
He urged cyclists to be more cautious on the road as well as for motorists to be more situationally aware.
“We often say to cyclists please wear bright colour clothing. Please have lights flashing on your bike when you ride, even in sunlight,” he said.
The Bonteheuwel community is devastated by the news of De Kock’s passing, with tributes pouring in for the young man who “overcame a myriad challenges to achieve what he had achieved in his short space of time”.
“May your spirit race the Tour De France the way your body was training to. God called you home, Calib de Kock, but you will be forever in my heart.”
Shame man, this kid seemed to have a bright future in the sport, even finishing the recent Cape Town Cycle Tour in a time of 02:53:25.
Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayco Member for Urban Mobility, responded to the measures the City is taking to ensure the safety of bicycles in the CBD, saying: “The City is in the early stages of a project that will result in a Mobility and Access Plan for the Cape Town CBD.”
“The goal is to satisfy people’s requirements for access and mobility across all modes in a way that improves the quality of life in the CBD through interventions that prioritise walking, cycling, and public transportation.”
Sea Point ward councillor Nicola Jowell urged cyclists to be extra cautious on busy roads.
“We know that cycling in the city is enjoyed by thousands of people every day and appeal to drivers to always take extra precautions to look out for cyclists on the road, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Beach Road.”
Be aware of your surroundings people, whether in a car or on a bike. Take a second to look around you, as it may just save a life.
