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Airports gearing up for influx of Cycle Tour bicycles

February 22, 2010 Edition 1

NATASHA PRINCE Staff Reporter

THE Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) is again gearing up for an influx of cyclists taking part in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.

Acsa's Deidre Hendricks said the company, with the airlines and ground handlers, annually put special plans in place to assist Cycle Tour participants.

A special bicycle collection and drop-off point will again be set up.

"We anticipate to process approximately 7 000 bicycles and we once again expect it to be a bumper weekend leading up to the Cycle Tour," said Hendricks.

More than 35 000 cyclists are expected to take part in the 110km race on March 14.

SAA is encouraging cyclists to make use of its bicycle carriage service to and from the event ahead of the race day, to "ensure the safe carriage and appropriate care of the equipment".

Cyclists flying with the national carrier are encouraged to have their equipment transported to Cape Town between March 6 and 13, and back to their destinations between March 14 and 22.

The cost of transporting a bicycle is R250 for a one-way trip.

Passengers wanting to use this service can pay for it at any Pick n Pay store.

A voucher will be given as proof of payment and must be presented with an air ticket or e-ticket printout when handing in the bicycle at the various drop-off points.

Passengers must inform SAA booking agents or travel agents that a bicycle will be accompanying them when they make a booking to travel to and from Cape Town.

SAA said passengers would need to ensure that their bicycles were securely packed before handing them over.

Other stipulations include:

Special boxes or bags that adequately protect the bicycle from possible damage, available at cycle stores, must be used.

The owner's contact details must be clearly marked on the packaging.

Packaging may be opened for security checks.

Passengers also have to ensure that: handlebars are turned parallel to the frame, pedals are removed or turned inward, the seat is down and tyres are deflated.

Passengers should note that tyres cannot be carried on board the aircraft as their size is not within the minimum requirements and could cause damage to their aircraft.

Any electronic equipment fitted to the bicycle must be removed and carried separately.

Carbon dioxide cylinders used to inflate tyres are treated as dangerous objects and must be shipped as cargo.

Procedures to follow at various airports

DEPARTURES from OR Tambo International Airport:

Bicycles must be dropped at Domestic Departures Terminal B from 6am to 8pm between March 6 and 13. On arrival back in Joburg, bicycles can be collected at the same area.

Departures from Durban International Airport:

Drop-off at Technical Hanger from 6am to 8pm on weekdays, and 6am to 6pm on weekends. Bicycles are collected at the same place.

The passenger must present an air ticket or e-ticket printout, as well as the proof of payment for the transportation of the bicycle when dropping off a bicycle. A baggage claim tag will be presented to the passenger as proof of drop-off.

Collection at Cape Town International:

Bicycles can be collected at a specially designated area at Cape Town International from 8am to 11pm daily. Passengers must present the baggage claim tag as well as ID or passport when collecting their bicycles. Those collecting bicycles on behalf of others must present their ID or passport, a copy of the owner's ID or passport, a letter of authority to collect, and the baggage claim tag.

Departure from Cape Town International:

On leaving Cape Town, the same drop-off procedure applies. Pass-engers must present their air ticket or e-ticket and proof of payment for the carriage of the bicycle. Drop-off at Cape Town can be done from March 14 to 22, from 6am to 8pm daily.

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