Officials rescue seriously injured cyclist
Cyclist knocked down by vehicle in Kibler Park.
KIBLER PARK: A man was seriously injured when a passing vehicle knocked him down on the morning of November 18, as he was cycling in Kibler Park on Peggy Vera Road.
A call was reported to the Kibler Park Fire Station EMS at about 05:41 just after the accident had occurred, and residents say the response from the EMS officers was “amazing” as they arrived at the scene in a matter of minutes.
A male, estimated to be between the ages of 40 and 50, reportedly sustained serious injuries to the head as he fell from his bicycle.
The motorist, who is said to be an employee at the Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre, stayed on the scene with colleagues until the injured man received much needed medical care.
Residents have requested that motorists be on the lookout for cyclists and people on motorbikes as they can easily clear out of a motorist’s blind spot in a matter of seconds. Joggers also complained that they have had close encounters with vehicles, and also requested that motorists exercise consideration on the road.
Kibler Park Fire Station officials have also requested that residents take note of direct emergency numbers so that emergency calls don’t first go through to switch board when they can be called directly at the station. Kibler Park Fire Station emergency numbers are 10177 or 011 943 4276.
Arrive Alive offered the following tips on enhancing the safety of cyclists:
• Always wear cycle helmets to prevent head injuries. Head injuries cause a high percentage of all cycling deaths – much of which can be prevented by wearing a helmet.
• Replace any damaged helmets for maximum protection. Helmets must fit properly to be safe. When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet should not move forward, backward, or come off. It should sit level on the head and extend down to about two fingers (3cm) above the eyebrows. Chin straps should be snug without pinching, and the front and rear straps should meet just below each ear when tightly adjusted.
• Helmets only work once. If a helmet has been in a collision that required the inner lining to absorb shock, buy another one! Even though the damage may not be visible, the shock absorbing qualities may be deadened.
• Be very cautious at blind spots- think ahead before you react.
• Avoid speeding behind a moving vehicle, if it brakes sharply there could be a collision.
• Pedestrians should be given priority at all times, remember that some of them may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence.
It is also suggested by Arrive Alive that cyclists make sure that they wear an emergency bracelet. There have been a number of cyclists that owe their lives to the fact that they were wearing the 084 124.
