GEORGE NEWS - Illegal and dangerous activities on or near the railway track running into the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains from George are again in the spotlight.
This follows after a group of friends posted a video on Facebook of their makeshift railway contraption allowing two cyclists to ride their bicycles alongside each other on the steel tracks.
This may look like fun, but it could easily end in tragedy.
The Outeniqua Powervan, which undertakes daily trips on this railway line, has had numerous close calls. People have picnics on the track, and hikers and mountain bikers use it as a walking and cycling trail. There have even been close encounters with people, including children, in the pitch-dark tunnels on the route.
Motorists also take risks at the crossing near the Garden Route Botanical Garden, ignoring the stop sign and racing over the track, even as they see the train approaching.
Charl Marais, the owner of the Powervan, says the irresponsible behaviour of some individuals gives him sleepless nights, and people should be aware of the dangers involved.
"I cannot stop the train immediately like one would stop a vehicle, and I fear the day when an accident happens - whether it involves someone in the tunnels, a cyclist, or a hiker."
Even though they blow the horn at every crossing and around every bend to warn people, this is often not enough. "These days people wear earphones and don't hear the train coming," says Marais.
"We don't want to discourage anyone from using and enjoying the scenic beauty of our area, but people must realise that the railway line is not dormant. Transnet owns the railway line, and we use it every day. People need to be aware of the dangers and safety measures.
"Walking on the railway line, cycling on it, or using any other moving homemade device on it is illegal unless you have an agreement with Transnet and a safety permit from the Rail Safety Regulator. These actions are dangerous and illegal.
"People can be prosecuted. I want to ask that people please act more responsibly and adhere to the safety rules," says Marais.
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