A temporary bridge for cyclists and pedestrians across one of the busiest highways in Africa has collapsed in Johannesburg, South Africa, this afternoon, killing two people and injuring more than 20.
Scaffolding supporting the bridge, where construction began earlier this year, is thought to have been made unstable by gusts of wind causing it to crash onto the M1 highway beneath and on vehicles being driven on it.
On its Twitter feed, the City of Johannesburg said: “Engineers suspect that a gust of wind in the area led to the accident.”
It subsequently stressed that other potential causes are being explored and added: “The scaffolding fell on the front part of a minibus taxi while a private vehicle was completely covered by the scaffolding.”
There is no news as yet of cyclists or pedestrians being among the casualties.
Construction began earlier this year on a new R130 million (£6 million) bridge to serve the 10,000 people who walk or cycle the 5 kilometres and back each day from the Alexandra township to Sandton’s Central Business District in what is known locally as “the Great Walk.”
When the project, due for completion next year, was first announced, mayoral committee member for transport, Christine Walters, said: “Our objective is to create better connections between different modes of public transport – buses, trains and taxis – and to vigorously promote the concepts of walking and cycling through the provision of safe and accommodating infrastructure for all Joburgers.”
The city is currently hosting the EcoMobility World Festival which runs throughout October and which last week included a ‘Freedom Ride’ in memory of Nelson Mandela in which 4,000 cyclists took part and a Road Safety Family Day in Sandton, which saw a festival atmosphere as its main road was closed to traffic.
From your own link there:...
Maybe take some drugs to calm your nerves...
So...don't cycle on it. Lots of other routes around that area. Source: I used to work there.
I'm not sure that aero carbon fiber bike would have been much use in such circumstances. But a gravel bike, well that's another story...
So, do those buses do as much damage per person as a w@nkpanzer?
Armando Iannucci "Today is Day One of humanity’s Idiolithic Era."
My photochromic specs have just turned up in the post today
It's not just cycling shoes, walking boots have the same problem. A long time ago I was told I had Germanic feet and those of us descended from...
Downhill Alpe d'Huez TT would be _awesome_. And someone should organise one for real!...
Custom bikes used to be for life....