R.I.P. Outsurance pointsmen

abraxas

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www.thinkbike.co.za
Just some background:

Since our metro ops are so useless, a major insurance company (Outsurance) decided to start a team of "traffic pointsmen" on scooters.

They used the scooters to be able to get to intersections quickly, where the signal lights were out of order. They been doing it for quite some time now, and have earned the respectof most jo'burg residents, because of the mess that they fix every day, often risking their own safety in the process.

They started on bicycles, then moved on to their current bikes, little 125's and 110's.

They had an incident a while ago, where a taxi drove into one, then tried to drive away. Fortunately he was detained on the spot, by the public, and arrested accordingly.

Sunday morning however was their first loss. Not 1 but 2 of their team killed instantly on the M1 South highway, by a drunk driver from behind. They were on the way to marshall the 702 Walk the Talk, a mass walking event in our city. It was 4 AM and they were a convoy of about 12 riders, in the slow slow lane keeping together.

We escorted them this morning to lay wreaths at the accident scene. All young guys and gals, along with some administrative staff. Standing on the side of the road, bits of bike still littering the ground.

The lady who heads it all up was so upset. They have done everything in their powers to make these guys safe, from proper gear, to highly visible uniforms, to the best training available. Doesn't help when you got drunkards on the road :(

They are continuing, this mornign, just getting on their bikes and riding, probably the same route as sunday morning was a huge boost for them. Understandably some didn't want to ride again.

What a team really, standing on the side of the road, seeing these folks standing as one unit, you could see the mutual respect for each other.

Just wish them all the best for the future.

The%20Star%20-%20New%20team%20to%20help%20motorists.jpg
 

bledubd

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Sad to read the tragic news. Drove in SA last year and you really have to keep your eye on the traffic if there is no electricity.
 
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