Cyclist dies after Victoria Road crash, raising concerns for cyclist safety
Cyclist Landon la Grange, 61, dies after Victoria Road crash.
Image: Pedal Power Association/ Facebook
A cyclist who was critically injured in a crash involving a taxi and a group of riders on Victoria Road in Bakoven has died, prompting renewed calls for improved cyclist safety on Cape Town’s roads.
The cyclist, identified as Landon la Grange, 61, died on Tuesday morning after sustaining severe injuries in the collision.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the death.
“The victim of the Camps Bay accident passed away,” Twigg said.
Police did not indicate whether charges would be amended following the victim’s death, nor whether any arrests had been made or when a suspect might appear in court.
La Grange had been airlifted to hospital following the crash on Monday, where he underwent an amputation after suffering serious leg injuries. He later died from his injuries.
The incident occurred at about 8:30am on Monday as a group of about 20 cyclists were travelling from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay, while a taxi was travelling in the opposite direction.
National Assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, also confirmed the cyclist’s death on social media.
In a post shared prior to the cyclist’s death, Cameron wrote that the injured cyclist had undergone an amputation and described the crash as severe.
“One cyclist has just had to have his leg amputated due to this incident… He is still critical,” Cameron said.
He further alleged that the driver had attempted to overtake multiple vehicles before colliding with cyclists.
“I am told a reckless and negligent driving case will be opened against the taxi driver who tried to overtake several vehicles around a corner and drove into the oncoming cyclists.”
Cameron also expressed the view that more serious charges could be considered.
“I would say attempted murder should be the charge.”
Pedal Power Association CEO Neil Robinson confirmed the cyclist’s death.
“I can confirm that Landon la Grange sadly passed away this morning. He suffered quite a lot of blood loss yesterday from the leg injury sustained, and sadly his body just couldn't cope with all the internal trauma, and he passed away. His heart stopped between about 10:30am and 11am. It’s devastating.”
Robinson urged the public to allow authorities to complete their investigation.
“We are very cognisant of the fact that there's a lot of emotion out there. We just ask that everyone shows a bit of humanity as the police do their work in terms of the investigation.”
He described la Grange as a passionate and experienced cyclist.
“He was a great guy, lively, driven, a fantastic cyclist. A great athlete and a cyclist for over 40 years… an amazing family guy, well liked, a great businessman. He just loved life.”
Robinson said the cycling community was deeply affected by the loss.
“If anyone could’ve got through this, it would’ve been him, but sadly his body just gave up. We send our condolences to his family and everyone he engaged with. It’s very sad.”
The Pedal Power Association’s “Stay Wider of the Rider” campaign also expressed condolences in a Facebook post, urging empathy following the cyclist’s death.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and the cycling community,” the campaign said.
On Monday, police said that Camps Bay police registered a reckless and negligent driving case following the crash, and investigations are ongoing.
The tragedy has intensified calls for improved road safety measures, with cycling groups warning that similar incidents continue to occur across the country.
“Many of these crashes and incidents happen across the country… We hope that something can come out of this,” Robinson said.