Page 8 - FWG September Issue 2024

Security

Photo by Quaid Lagan on Unsplash Getting Active and

Staying Safe this Spring

Cycling, running and walking have
become some of the biggest and
fastest-growing sports. FWG residents
are fortunate to perform these exercises
in a safe and secure environment.

SAFE CYCLING IS HAPPY CYCLING
Off- and on-ramp safety every ride or night-time trip. This provides Cyclists must be cautious as motorists
24/7 Security Services has noted increased an extra layer of security and ensures that and pedestrians share the roads.
hijacking attempts on the highway off- and someone always knows your whereabouts. Likewise, motorists and pedestrians
on-ramps. The National Community Police need to be aware of cyclists.
Board of South Africa (NCPS) has warned Check driver and vehicle details
that hijackers are increasingly targeting Before getting into your ride, double-check What is safe cycling?
victims on off- and on-ramps of South the driver’s information on the app to be There are many answers to this question,
Africa’s busiest highways, especially in sure you are in the correct car. Verify the but in a nutshell, safe cycling relates to
Gauteng. driver’s name, photo, and licence plate the combination of common sense,
number in the app against the vehicle’s road rules and cycling knowledge to
The ‘tap tap’ method is a popular tactic facts. get you from Point A to Point B safely
on these roads. After identifying you as a and efficiently.
target, criminals will drive behind you and Choose your pick-up time and spot
intentionally bump into your vehicle. Once wisely Steps to safe cycling
you stop and get out to assess the damage When selecting where your driver should Firstly, please ensure that you are visible
and swap insurance info, the hijackers pick you up, you don’t need to give a static when riding your bicycle. Fit bright
overpower you and steal your car, leaving address location, as you can share your live lights to your bike (steady white light
you stranded next to the road. location with your driver. So, to make sure in front; flashing red light behind the
you are vigilant and to ensure your safety, saddle), wear reflective strips or bands
There is a common perception that crimes choose a pick-up point where you are around your ankles where the motion
like hijackings mainly occur after dark, but highly visible to your driver, and you will attracts attention, and wear brightly
ruthless criminals operate during peak easily be able to see them arrive. coloured kit (luminous colours work
traffic hours and target drivers as early as well) – especially when it is raining,
05h00. Use the in-app emergency button misty or overcast, or at dawn/dusk.
The app also includes an emergency
If you suspect this is happening to you, assistance button that allows you to quickly Secondly, put on a decent helmet
please drive directly to the nearest police contact local authorities in an emergency. before getting onto your bicycle. Apart
station. Familiarise yourself with this feature and from the fact that it became law in
know how to use it. 2004 that you have to wear a helmet
whenever you cycle in South Africa,
E-hailing safety Rate and provide feedback you never know when a dog will run
E-hailing services are part of many people’s After your ride, take a moment to rate your out in front of you, when a person in a
daily lives. 24/7 Security Services urges driver and provide feedback. This helps parked vehicle will unexpectedly open
users to exercise caution when using these e-hailing companies to maintain a high a door, or when a pedestrian will step
services. standard of service and safety. out in front of you, and the like. So be
prepared and wear that helmet!
Share your trip details Stay connected
Share Your Trip is an e-hailing safety feature Keep your phone charged and stay Use your common sense for the rest
that allows you to share trip information connected to the app. A charged phone of the kit: If it looks like it could rain
with a trusted contact. Riders are prompted lets you easily communicate with the or get cold during the day, take along
to share their trip details with their trusted driver, share your trip details, and access something waterproof and/or warm.
contacts, and they can choose to do so for emergency features if needed. You cannot adequately control your

Fourways Gardens • 6 • September 2024