Botmaskop trail, well-known for hiking and mountain biking, will be made safer by non-profit organisation (NPO) Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF).
The NPO, along with Ride In, a café and bike hire, hosted a fundraiser on 5 November and the money raised will be used to add more in-depth signage with designated up and down trails, said Richard de Villiers, STF director.
Due to the signage having the telephone number of the Stellenbosch Security network, that is in contact with all the local security firms, De Villiers believes the area will be safer as the security will be able to coordinate action in the case of an event.
The trail will therefore be safer for hikers and mountain bikers if an accident occurs.
STF maintains existing trails to prevent erosion and to prevent rogue trail builders from building their own trails. According to De Villiers, the greater goal is to have one of the largest mountain biking areas in South Africa. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
According to a source that wanted to remain anonymous, from a personal safety standpoint, in-depth signage and the up and down trails would not do anything to make the area that much safer.
“The biggest problem with Botmanskop is the easy access from Helshoogte Pass, it makes for not only an easy entrance point but also for a good getaway point,” he said.
STF’s main aim is to create, improve and maintain all hiking, biking and running trails in and around Stellenbosch according to their website.
De Villiers said Botmaskop used to be the place for mountain biking 20 years ago, but due to hikers and cyclists being attacked; Botmaskop became dangerous, which resulted in people avoiding the area.
STF will be making the trail safer by putting up signs every 100 metres just like in a mountain bike race, said De Villiers.
Stellenbosch is known for its natural beauty and its mountain bike trails, but by not making Stellenbosch safe, we are discouraging tourism, said De Villiers. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
These signs will include the contact number of the Stellenbosch Security Initiative (SSI) if an emergency occurs or someone gets lost, he said.
Gavin King, owner of Ride In said Botmaskop is a vital link between Stellenbosch and the Banhoek Conservancy and by making it safer, it opens up the potential to the rider for multiple kilometres in a safe controlled area.
“[W]e’ve always been invested in trying to promote any initiative that aids the community,” King said.
King said the fundraiser is important as it is the main source of income for many of the trails to be built and trail building is very costly as it is labour-intensive.
According to De Villiers, the fundraiser was a success. He said about 100 mountain bikers and hikers attended and R 60 000 was raised.
From the trail users mouth
Andrew Stewart Francis, who took part in the fundraiser, said that everyone benefits from safe access to the area.
“Supporting the organisations that make a meaningful contribution [to the public] is something small the Stellenbosch community can make,” he said.
Francis said he took part because he would like to remain part of the running and hiking community, caring for the mountain and ensuring safe access to all nature lovers.
The trail one could take to hike up to the top of Botmaskop with Uniepark as the starting point. IMAGE: plotaroute.com
“All public access areas should be safe,” said Francis. “Ensuring safe pathways and trails will ensure a certain amount of traffic and contain them, allowing for specific areas to be available to the public and the rest to nature as it would be intended.”
Even though the anonymous source raised concerns, he stated that the up and down trails will make the actual riding and running safer.
“The trails over there are quite steep which makes breaking difficult should someone come from the opposite direction,” he said.