Concerns have been raised over the safety of cyclists, with just days left before the upcoming Cape Town Cycle Tour, following a supposed attempted hijacking in Constantia.  

According to the Pedal Power Association, a cyclist travelling along Firgrove Road, toward Constantia Uitsig, at around 06:00 on Sunday morning, was targeted by occupants of a vehicle in what has been described as an aggressive incident.

The organisation said a white Toyota Venture allegedly attempted to force the cyclist off the road twice before the rider managed to escape by turning into a side road and finding safety.  

“The cyclist cycled to Constantia Uitsig because they have security there and waited for other cyclists. He joined a group who said that they had just had the same experience also in Firgrove Road,” read a post shared on the association’s “Stay Wider of the Rider” campaign Facebook page.  

While the association advised that the authorities were alerted to the incident, Western Cape police said no formal complaint had been recorded. 

“Be advised that this office has no record of this matter,” said Captain F.C Van Wyk in response to SmileFM’s query.  

The PPA’s CEO, Neil Robinson, said he’s aware of several cyclists who have been targeted, especially those travelling alone during the early morning or at dusk in the evening.  

“We’ve had a few instances of criminals targeting cyclists, around stealing their bikes, getting their cell phones, etc. The criminals sadly know the value of the bicycles,” said Robinson.

There are about 10 days to go until the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and more cyclists have been seen out on the roads, so Robinson is urging riders in training to be vigilant and safe.  

“Ride in groups, if you can. The ultimate would be to have a support vehicle behind you. I know it’s not possible a lot of the time, but if you can, it’ll be great.”  

He highlighted that cyclists must be especially vigilant along known cycling routes.  

“In the high-frequency training areas like Spaanschemacht Road, around Tokai, Ou Kaapse Weg, Red Hill, Black Hill, all the areas that cyclists use to train prior to the Cape Town cycle tour, please be careful, be vigilant,” Robinson advised.  

The association also noted that cyclists should practice caution along other routes in Constantia, Hout Bay, the Peninsula loop, Victoria Road, as well as in the Durbanville and Philadelphia regions.  

“Please take care out there. We want to see you all on the start line,” said Robinson.