The Pedal Power Association (PPA) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Laura Blake, who tragically passed away on Saturday, 5 September 2026, following complications from a severe cycling crash.
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at approximately 05:40, Laura was riding with a group of friends along Tokai Road, less than two kilometres into their ride from Bootlegger Coffee Company in Tokai.
Just before the entrance to the Blue Route Mall parking area, she was struck from behind by a motor vehicle.
Laura sustained severe injuries, including a shattered pelvis, a broken elbow, fractures to her C7 and C9 vertebrae, and six broken ribs. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition, remaining in a coma and on ventilator support while medical staff monitored her vitals. Despite medical intervention, she ultimately succumbed to complications arising from her injuries.
Updates regarding her condition were provided to the PPA by her husband, Gary Pomario.
The SAPS investigation into the incident has officially been escalated from reckless and negligent driving to a charge of culpable homicide.
The PPA remains in support of the family as legal proceedings move forward.
“There needs to be serious consequences for the ever-increasing unlawful actions on our roads throughout South Africa,” says CEO of the PPA, Neil Robinson.
The PPA reiterates its urgent appeal to all road users to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and share the roads safely to prevent further loss of life.