The Democratic Alliance has raised concerns about a spate of cycling crimes in Gauteng, with the party identifying several hotspot areas.<\/p>\n
The DA, which runs several coalition governments in the province, said it has seen an increase in the theft of bicycles as opportunistic criminals are targeting cyclists.<\/p>\n
It cited two recent incidents in Pretoria where two cyclists were knocked by a motor vehicle and then robbed of their bicycles. Another incident was also reported in Nelmapius where a cyclist was also involved in an accident where he was knocked by a motor vehicle, and they robbed him of his bicycle.<\/p>\n
In another incident, a woman was hijacked along Boeing Road in Nelmapius, and they took her bicycle and a phone.<\/p>\n
Some of the hotspots\u00a0where cyclists and joggers are being robbed are roads surrounding:<\/p>\n
The DA has now requested that the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko ensure police visibility and increase road patrols, especially along the identified hot-spot routes.<\/p>\n
The party also wants the ANC to develop a safety plan to ensure the safety of cyclists and athletes. The routes used by the cyclists and joggers are mostly known and should be patrolled on a regular basis, it said.<\/p>\n
The DA also urged cyclists and joggers to cycle and jog in large groups and to ensure that no one is isolated during this time.<\/p>\n