Cape Town - Recounting a traumatic robbery in the Cape Winelands, cyclist Ashleigh Parsons has shared her story on social media in the hopes of warning others to be vigilant.
Parsons said she was attacked while cycling in Wellington on Friday.
“Never thought I’d have to post this on social media. I always try to see the positives of this country. I was attacked on my ride in Wellington (Oakdene Road) today. The guy gripped me around my neck and threw me on the ground. He threw me so hard I think I’m still trying to gather myself.”
After the violent attack, she said the assailant took her bike and rode off and she was alone with no one in sight to ask for help.
“He took my bike and rode off. There was not a soul in sight. In my panic I managed to wave someone down and phone for help. The guy threw my bike down in the road at a later stage as the chain came off and he obviously couldn’t ride it anymore. We were able to retrieve it.
“He is now gone and I am left in a lot of pain, unable to walk, bruised ribs and completely traumatised.”
She cautioned the public to be vigilant.
“We go through phases where we hear about these incidents and then they quiet down for a while. This is when we make the mistake of getting comfortable. This post is just a reminder to be vigilant, be prepared and rather make a U-turn if something looks suspicious. Stay safe everyone.”
Parsons told the Cape Times that police were at her house the next day for further questioning.
“I absorbed almost every detail of the guy. I will easily recognise him again.”
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut confirmed they were investigating the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding a robbery case are under investigation following an incident on 2022-12-02 at around 2pm where a 22-year-old female cyclist was attacked by an unknown suspect in Oakdene Road, Wellington.
“The victim was pulled from her bicycle and sustained injuries in the process. The suspect was unable to ride the bicycle after the chain fell off and fled on foot. He is yet to be arrested,” Traut said.
Traut added that cyclists are warned to be on the lookout for suspicious persons on the side of the road as this modus operandi is often used by criminals to rob victims who are out training, especially if they cycling on their own.
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) condemned the incident.
PPA chief executive Neil Robinson said: “We are continuously meeting with local and national government to find solutions for the attacks cyclists are faced with. The violent attacks on cyclists needs to stop and we are making the right noises in the right places to find solutions to the problem.
“We encourage cyclists not to cycle alone, not even in areas close to home. The SAPS are trying their best to patrol the areas of concern whenever they can, but criminals don’t always attack in the same spot, they move around.
“With the festive season upon us, cyclists need to stay more alert than ever. Try not to cycle before sunrise and at sunset. Don’t become an easy target, so refrain from talking on your cellphone or riding with earphones.
“When cycling in a group, it is preferable to have a backup vehicle following the group. If there is no backup vehicle available, please keep an eye on the riders at the back of the group as it’s usually they who become victims of attacks, especially if they fall behind.”
Cape Times