Promising Rooies cyclist in ICU after hit-and-run
A young and promising cyclist from the Rooies Cycling Club has been admitted into the ICU at Life Cosmos Hospital following a hit-and-run on Sunday during a training session.
Life took a sudden turn for the worst for 18-year-old Lumardt Pienaar, who finished in second place overall at the Alzu Tour de Farm on Saturday.
According to Lumardt’s mother, Raylene Pienaar, her son had gone out for a training session on Sunday evening when he was struck by a motorist at the Saveways Complex in eMalahleni, shortly before 18:00.
The accident occurred in the parking lot of the Saveways Complex in front of witnesses who saw the motorist fleeing the scene, and is being investigated by the SAPS.
Lumardt was admitted into Life Cosmos Hospital, where he received excellent care from hospital staff, Raylene said.
However, Lumardt has epilepsy, and has since been suffering severe seizures that doctors are struggling to get under control.
According to Raylene, his accident has once again shone the light on road safety surrounding cyclists and the need to create awareness.
“We happen to know of another child who was also struck in a hit-and run.”
Raylene attested to the anger and frustration a parent feels about the blatant disregard motorists show towards life.
“I am angry that my son’s life meant so little to the driver, that he couldn’t bother to stop. We as citizens need to stand up for what is right, and we need to protect our children and create awareness surrounding road safety for cyclists. We protect our children in every other sport, such as cricket and rugby, but if my child comes to tell me he is going out to cycle, how do I ensure his safety?”
She also urged motorists to keep in mind that bicycles don’t come armed with hooters or a shell of protection like vehicles do.
Lumardt has been a member of the Rooies Cycling Club for three years.
“Cycling is his passion and it is his dream to become a world champion one day.”
The young cyclist has shown a lot of promise, not only placing second overall in the 40km event of the Alzu Tour de Farm, but recently also being crowned as the Mpumalanga Champion.
He is also seventh nationally in the XCO for his age group.
Raylene wished to thank the outstanding care given to her son by staff at Life Cosmos Hospital as well as the compassion and concern shown by the community.
“We have received so many massages of support and concern, some from as far as Lydenburg and Gauteng, and we wish to thank every one for their kindness.”
