Cyclist injured in taxi crash on Victoria Road sparks safety concerns

A crash between a taxi and a group of cyclists on Victoria Road near the Twelve Apostles in Bakoven on Monday has renewed calls for improved safety measures to protect cyclists on Cape Town’s roads.

One cyclist was injured in the collision and airlifted to hospital, where he is in a stable condition, according to authorities.

According to preliminary information, the taxi is understood to have struck several cyclists along the popular coastal route.

Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the crash, stabilising the injured cyclist before transporting him by air for further medical treatment.

Pedal Power Association CEO, Neil Robinson, said the incident highlights ongoing risks faced by cyclists, particularly on busy and narrow routes such as Victoria Road.

“The Pedal Power Association is working with traffic and SAPS on updates in terms of the investigation,” he said.

Robinson said early indications suggest the taxi may have attempted to overtake another vehicle before veering into the shoulder where the cyclists were riding.

“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 the injured cyclist had been taken to a hospital in the Cape Town CBD.

Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed a reckless and negligent driving case was registered following the crash.

“The victim was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment where he is in a stable condition. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made,” he said.

City Law Enforcement officers assisted at the scene, and authorities confirmed that no fatalities were reported.

Traffic was initially affected, with lane closures and stop-and-go traffic in place. The road has since been reopened.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service said it responded at about 08:37 to the collision.

Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Michael Abrahams, said firefighters provided medical assistance at the scene before the injured cyclist was airlifted to hospital.

In December last year, a cyclist was killed in a collision on Victoria Road near Glen Beach, prompting a culpable homicide investigation and the arrest of a motorist.

The incident sparked outrage within the cycling community and renewed calls for stricter enforcement, improved driver awareness and safer road-sharing practices.

Cycling groups have warned that without improved enforcement, safer driving behaviour and greater awareness among motorists, cyclists will continue to face significant risks on Cape Town’s roads.

Victoria Road remains one of Cape Town’s most popular cycling routes, particularly during early morning training periods, despite its narrow sections, sharp bends and heavy traffic.

The exact circumstances surrounding Monday’s crash remain under investigation.

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Cape Argus