Hit-and-run truck leaves young north cyclist’s dream in tatters
Johan de Klerk is looking for the truck driver who bumped into his son in Lavender Road and drove away.
A keen young cyclist from Pretoria has to put his dreams of cycling in tournaments aside this year after he suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident in the north.
Sixteen-year-old learner at the Gereformeerde Gekombineerde Skool Dirk Postma, Johan de Klerk’s cycling season came to an unexpected end after he was hit by a truck in Lavender Road on Saturday morning.
De Klerk’s father Johan Sr said his son’s right hand and elbow were badly injured in the accident and he will not be able to participate in any cycling competitions or tournaments for the next three months.
“For someone who cycles 300km a week, and is absolutely passionate about cycling, it is heartbreaking news,” said Johan Sr.
The two left home on their bicycles early Saturday morning, to practice for an upcoming cycling tour.
Near Wonderboom Junction around 06:50, they split up.
“Johan (Jr)’s bicycle lights were on and he was clearly visible on the road. He drove past Wonderboom Junction over the bridge, where the truck bumped him.”
Johan Sr, who was cycling on a different route at the time, explained the events as described by his son:
“The truck passed too close and hit the handle of the bicycle. Johan then went over the handlebars and ended up in the middle of the road.”
The truck drove on.
“Luckily, two motorists immediately stopped to help my son,” said Johan Sr.
“One of the bystanders, by chance someone we know, called to tell me about the accident.”
Johan Sr praised the emergency services that were quickly on the scene as well as the helpful motorists who assisted his son.
“The orthopaedist who treated Johan (Jr) is also a cyclist and thanks to the good treatment Johan received, I believe he will recover quickly.”
The injuries include a fracture to his right hand and a torn ligament and tendon in his elbow.
“Johan’s helmet was full of scratches and dents. His other safety equipment, such as his gloves, also helped protect against more serious injuries.”
He said his son “has not yet had the heart” to look at the damage to his mountain bike.
“He is very unhappy that he will not be able to cycle for a while.”
Johan (Jr) cycles for his school and club and will miss out on important tournaments this year.
He took to social media for help in getting more information about the truck involved in the hit-and-run accident.
“There were other motorists and cyclists on the road at the time of the accident. Hopefully, someone saw the registration number of the truck,” he said.
“I also just want to make people aware that cyclists have just as much a right to be on the road as any other vehicle driver. We have to be mindful and respectful towards any road user.”
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