A cyclist has been airlifted to hospital after a collision with a taxi on Victoria Road near Bakoven, once again highlighting the dangers faced by cyclists on Cape Town’s narrow coastal roads.
The incident occurred on Monday morning along the popular stretch near the Twelve Apostles, a route frequently used by cyclists despite its sharp bends, narrow shoulders and high traffic volumes.
Emergency services responded shortly after the crash, stabilising the injured cyclist at the scene before arranging an airlift to a medical facility in the Cape Town central business district. Authorities have confirmed that the cyclist is in a stable condition.
Preliminary information suggests that the taxi attempted to overtake another vehicle before veering into the shoulder of the road, where a group of cyclists were travelling. The impact resulted in at least one cyclist sustaining serious injuries.
Pedal Power Association CEO Neil Robinson said the incident reflects ongoing safety challenges faced by cyclists in the city.
“The Pedal Power Association is working with traffic and SAPS on updates in terms of the investigation,” Robinson said.
He added that early indications point to the taxi losing control while attempting to overtake.
“As the person, the second he was hit, from what I understand, the taxi was coming around the Twelve Apostles, tried to overtake someone, overshot, went into the shoulder of the road and hit the cyclist,” he said.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that a case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened, with investigations continuing into the circumstances surrounding the crash. No arrests have been made at this stage.
City Law Enforcement officers and Fire and Rescue teams assisted at the scene, where traffic disruptions were reported. Lane closures and stop-and-go conditions were in place before the road was eventually reopened.
The incident follows a previous fatal crash involving a cyclist on Victoria Road near Glen Beach in December last year, which led to a culpable homicide investigation and the arrest of a motorist.
Cycling groups have continued to call for improved enforcement, better driver awareness and safer road-sharing practices, warning that without intervention, cyclists will remain at significant risk on Cape Town’s roads.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
