Cyclist Calib de Kock, 17, died after crashing into a car on this stretch of Beach Road.
Calib de Kock, the 17-year-old cyclist who died after a training accident in Sea Point last week, was disciplined and talented, says Graham Hector, the acting chairman of Phoenix Cycling Club.
Calib, who was a member of the club, came off his bicycle when he crashed into a car along Beach Road, on Tuesday June 11. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries, according to Sea Point police spokeswoman Captain Anelisiwe Manyana who said police had opened an inquest for investigation.
According to the Western Province Cycling Association Facebook page, Calib was out training when someone opened their car door, and he crashed into it.
“He was the kindest, most lovable person. He treated me like a father and he wanted to race with me. He chose the cycling road and did not want to become a school dropout like so many, and everyone loved him,” said Mr Hector.
“He was part of the JAG Riders cycling programme at Bergsig Primary in Bonteheuwel since 2017," he said, adding that Calib had joined the Phoenix Cycling Club in 2022 and had been selected for the Western Province under-17 road racing team in 2023.
"He dreamed big with regard to cycling and became fit quite quickly with limited training."
Since 2020, there have been 1108 cycling crashes, nearly 400 of which were side swipes, in Cape Town and surrounding areas, while 34 crashes occurred along Beach and Victoria roads, and motorists are still not giving cyclists a one-metre berth, as required by law in the Western Cape, according to the Pedal Power Association.
“We appeal to motorists to give cyclists one metre as it is a law in the Western Cape. Many of the accidents occur because motorists do not give cyclists adequate space when they pass them. If you cannot pass them, give them a few seconds to get to a space where you can pass. We having far too many accidents because vehicles are getting too close to the cyclists, and they are being side swiped. Let’s have tolerance and respect for each other on the roads,” said Neil Robinson, the association's CEO.