A memorial motorcycle ride for a Cape Town biker who had died in an accident in Bothasig early last week, was held on Friday evening.

Cecil McCluskie (37) died on Tuesday 13 October in a road accident at Vryburger Avenue, and Boom Street in Bothasig after he collided with another vehicle. A case has been registered with the Bothasig police, the newspaper was told.

In October last year, another biker died in an accident. Aidan Ruge (19) passed away in a similar incident near the same spot. Ruge, a former learner at Edgemead High School, died on Sunday 5 October 2025.

Ramano Wepener, a close friend, said McCluskie meant a lot to all of them. “We did a lovely last ride for him,” he said.

Wepener also shared his eulogy.

“Over the last few days, seeing all the wonderful messages sent about Cecil on various platforms is testament to the amazing man he was. The turnout on Friday, arranged by the CPT Riders community, was truly something to behold. That night people and loved ones from far and wide gathered around the accident scene to pay their respects to a life well lived.

“If only Cecil knew the impact he had on so many people. I’m sure he was looking down then as he is now with a smile on his face, and knowing Cecil, he would want us to smile and celebrate his life and all the memories shared as opposed to mourning his death,” an extract from it read.

McCluskie was a member of the Bike Riders CPT Motorcycle Club.

The club shared photos of the memorial ride on its Facebook page. “A huge thank you to everyone that came out in honouring the life of Cecil; To all the traffic officials precent, the Bothasig CPF, we appreciate your efforts,” the club noted. The memorial ride took place at 17:30 from N1 City in Goodwood to Vryburger Avenue where wreaths were placed at the site of the accident.

CPF

Mario Borchards, CPF chair, said their organisation oversaw the scene when the biker died, and the logistics for the memorial ride from Bothasig’s side. He said the CPF is deeply saddened by the loss of McCluskie, a local. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him,” he said.

The CPF, Community in Blue patrollers, and Precinct Response assisted at the scene, and we saw first-hand how quickly a normal day can change for a family, Borchards said.

“On Friday, it was an honour to play a part in the Bike Riders CPT memorial ride for Cecil, a heartfelt tribute to a life that touched many. May his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Our sincere thanks to Community in Blue, Precinct Response, Precinct Medics and the Bothasig Neighbourhood Watch for assisting with traffic management and being on standby for any incident.”

Road safety

Borchards also took the opportunity to warn road users to be careful on the roads, ahead of the upcoming festive season.

“As the festive season approaches and roads become busier, we gently ask everyone to take a little extra care.

“Motorcyclists, please keep to the speed limit and ride with the thought that other drivers may not see you. Drivers, please look twice for bikes before pulling out or changing lanes, and put the phone away. A little patience from all of us can make the difference between a safe journey and a lifelong heartbreak.

“Let us look out for one another so that every family can enjoy the season together,” said Borchards.

A funeral service was held for McCluskie on Monday 19 October at the Church on the Rise in Blouberg Rise, and a memorial service was also held at the Bothasig Soccer Club.

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