The war rages on
The war between motorists and cyclists is an age-old tale, but what could be done to resolve this?
There is nothing more relaxing than a drive through the beautiful Cradle of Humankind, unless you are a resident of the area.
Saturdays and Sundays are chaotic for the residents as they try to navigate their way through the masses of cyclists that make their way to the quiet area with its decently sized cycling lanes. However, this has the potential to quickly escalate to violence and emotional outbursts from both the cyclist and the motorist, as one resident found out on 25 September.
While she and her friend were out on a leisure drive, she ‘gently’ hooted at a cyclist on Kromdraai Road, north of Muldersdrift, as a warning. The cyclist took offence, got off his bicycle in the road and signalled her to pull over.
The resident stopped to discuss the issue, but the man depicted in the photo verbally and physically abused her. He then left the scene.
The resident’s husband later spotted the enraged cyclist at a local restaurant and approached him. The cyclist took immediate offence, threw his hot coffee and cup in the husband’s face. He then left the restaurant.
The News has received many complaints from both cyclists and motorists, accusing each other of not obeying the rules of the road.
“Many years ago residents of the World Heritage Site welcomed all tourists, including cyclists.
It is sad that a small minority who do not subscribe to the law, rules of the road and common decency and respect, are creating a stigma around the cycling fraternity. We know most cyclists are good folk, and it is with this in mind that we encourage all cyclists and the public to please look at the photo and let us know if you know the attacker, in order to maintain a good cyclist/ resident relationship,” Conserv Security said on Facebook earlier this week.
If you recognise the man in the photo, please phone Conserv Security on 083 655 1315.
If you have any comment that you feel might add to the severity of the matter, send an email to krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or leave your comment below.
Related articles:
• Cyclist seriously injured in Magalies
• Cyclist stay safe when heading out
