Tributes have been pouring in for a teen cyclist from Bonteheuwel who tragically died after crashing into a car door in Sea Point.
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Calib de Kock (17), a member of the Phoenix Cycling Club, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday following a serious head injury sustained in a collision with the door of a Mercedes-Benz parked on Beach Road.
The teen was believed to have been cycling on the road when the driver allegedly opened the door directly in front of him, giving him no time to react and resulting in the collision.
Images of emergency services working tirelessly on De Kock before he was rushed to Christiaan Barnard Hospital circulated on social media shortly after the incident.
De Kock, a Grade 11 pupil at Bonteheuwel High School, has left the community in mourning.
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana confirmed that Sea Point police are investigating the incident.
‘According to reports, the cyclist, a 17-year-old male, was riding on his bike on Tuesday 11 June, when he collided with a motor vehicle.’
‘He was transported to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.’
His death has devastated the entire community, according to Sea Point Ward Councillor Nicola Jowell.
‘I would like to extend my condolences to his family, friends, and the cycling fraternity and team. A terrible accident that has taken Calib away from his loved ones,’ she said.
Jowell noted that Sea Point is neither more nor less safe than other high-use cycling areas in the city. She emphasised that the incident was tragic but not caused by reckless driving.
‘On high-use roads where there are lots of cars parked at all times, it is imperative that drivers are extra cautious to check for cyclists when exiting their vehicles or opening any doors,’ Jowell said.
‘We know that cycling in the city is enjoyed by thousands of people every day and appeal to drivers to always take extra precautions to look out for cyclists on the road, particularly in high traffic areas such as Beach Road.’
‘It does highlight the need for motorists to be alert and to triple-check any move before they do it.’
Neil Robinson, CEO of the Pedal Power Association, said the incident reflects the ongoing challenges cyclists face in the country.
‘This is a tragic accident, a person opening a car door and the cyclist riding into the car door. We are well aware that this is a very big problem area, especially in narrow road areas.’
Robinson pointed out that many incidents go unreported as South Africans often do not obey the rules of the road.
‘Every accident is of great concern to us. Unfortunately, there are too many avoidable bike crashes on our roads due to the rules of the road not being obeyed,’ Robinson said.
He urged cyclists to be more cautious on the road and called on motorists to be situationally aware.
‘We often say to cyclists please wear bright colour clothing. Please have lights flashing on your bike when you ride, even in sunlight,’ he said.
Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie encouraged young residents to follow in De Kock’s footsteps.
‘Because of his effort and relentless pursuit of success, he overcame myriad challenges to achieve what he had achieved in his short space of time,’ he said.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for De Kock on Facebook.
Shuaib Sayhn wrote: ‘RIP my friend. I’m always going to miss your one-of-a-kind giggle at my gate before you get me to do something for you.’
‘May your spirit race the Tour De France the way your body was training to. God called you home, Calib de Kock, but you will be forever in my heart.’
In response to inquiries about cyclist safety in the CBD, Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayco Member for Urban Mobility, said, ‘The City is in the early stages of a project that will result in a Mobility and Access Plan for the Cape Town CBD. The intention is to meet the mobility and access needs of people using all modes, in a way that makes the CBD a more liveable place.’
‘This will be achieved through interventions that prioritize walking, cycling, and public transport.’
‘This complements the current planning process for a local area spatial development framework for the CBD.’
We extend our condolences to Calib’s family and loved ones.
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Picture: Myriad Events / Facebook
