Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise

Robin Carlisle, Minister of Transport and Public Works, expressed growing concern at the ever mounting toll of motorcycle fatalities in the Western Cape.

“Whilst our overall road fatalities have declined dramatically by 28% over the last three years, motorcycle deaths have actually risen by 11%. All other categories, including cyclists and pedestrians have declined,” said Minister Carlisle.

The figures for October 2012 show that this alarming trend is on the rise with 12 motorcyclists dying compared to two in October 2011.  Half of motorcyclist deaths occur in the Cape Town metropolitan area.

“Over 200 motorcyclists have died on our roads in the last three years. In part, this is due to the increase in the number of motorcycles, but too many motorists are not sufficiently alert to both cyclists and motorcyclists. At the same time, many motorcyclists ride at excessive speeds,” he added.

Minister Carlisle also reported that road deaths on Western Cape roads in the month of October had risen by 6% when compared to the same month last year.

The comparative figures are:

• October 2008:  124

• October 2009:  115

• October 2010:  108

• October 2011:  101

• October 2012:  108

“This is very disappointing, but the figures for November look far more promising. Through our Safely Home initiative, we are still on track to reduce road deaths by 50% by December 2014,” added Minister Carlisle.