Cyclist appeals to motorists after friend killed
Slowing down for just a few seconds could save a cyclist's life, said a friend of Cape Town cyclist Randall Februarie, after the popular biker was killed on the road last week.
"Motorists need to give themselves the extra five seconds to brake, instead of speeding past," said Oscar Cloete, from in Claremont, which Februarie rode for.
"They need to put themselves into cyclists' shoes. There is nothing protecting us when those cars slide past us," said Cloete. He had been over a car's bonnet before, but survived.
Februarie's fellow cyclists were devastated over the death of the 41-year-old last week.
'Gentleman of cycling'
"He was the gentleman of cycling. Everybody loved Randall," said Cloete.
He was killed in Thornton the next day, on the road he loved so much, after a car struck him from behind, the Pedal Power Association (PPA) said.
Februarie was three minutes away from home, finishing his Sunday cycle. The motorist allegedly sped through a traffic light and struck him. He was flung into the air and died on the scene. The motorist drove off.
Later that day, a 32-year-old man from Langa handed himself to police and was arrested.
His poignant last tweet on 30 July reflected his love of the sport and keeping healthy.
Said PPA CEO, Robert Vogel: “This is even more tragic since the Western Cape was the first province to pass a ‘safe passing distance’ law in 2013, making it compulsory for motorists to pass cyclists with a berth of at least 1m.”
He said 84% of cycling accidents were caused by vehicles hitting cyclists from behind at speed, not passing cyclists at a safe distance, or cyclists not being visible.
“Our objective is to educate all road users to be tolerant, respectful and courteous towards each other on the road,” he said.
Messages were still pouring in on Monday. Well-wishers extended condolences to his wife and their three children.
Many cyclists dedicated their weekend rides to him.
His funeral took place in Ottery on Saturday, 7 August.
Other incidents
Meanwhile, efforts were under way to track down the driver who knocked down Kinetic Cycling Club member Alroy Davey on Klipheuwel Road, Durbanville, on Sunday.
According to Arrive Alive's website, Davey was on a training ride to Malmesbury when a white bakkie struck him. He sustained a broken pelvis and ribs, and back injuries.
The driver left the scene and a campaign had been started to track down a white double-cab bakkie with a missing bumper.
And in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on Monday morning, seven people were injured when a minibus taxi, a car, and a bicycle collided on the corner of Zuurfontein and Bergrivier roads, according to Emerg-G-Med paramedics.
The taxi driver allegedly skipped a red traffic light, crashed into a car, and then into the cyclist.