The world’s largest timed cycle event – the annual Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour – will be held in Cape Town on 14 March. Thousands of competitors training frantically in preparation for the event have begun to fill up the city’s roads.
With this increase in the number of cyclists on the roads, the City urges motorists to exercise extreme caution. Tolerance, awareness, and mutual respect are values which must be exercised during this time. If cyclists and motorists are considerate of each other’s needs, the roads will be a much safer place for all.
“Motorists and cyclists both have a legal right to use South Africa’s roads. Cyclists may ride on any public road other than a freeway or where cycling is expressly forbidden. Motorists need to be more tolerant of cyclists and cyclists need to be vigilant and obey the rules of the road,” says Councillor Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects.
What cyclists can do:
- Obey the traffic rules
- As road users, cyclists are required to obey all traffic laws and signs. They have to stop at red traffic lights and stop streets and ride in single file.
- Always wear a helmet
- Never get on a bicycle without a helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of cyclist fatalities, so invest in a good quality helmet that fits properly and is positioned correctly on your head.
- Carry identification with you
- When cycling, carry personal identification with you and an emergency contact name and number for a spouse, relative or friend.
- Be visible
- Cyclists are often not seen by motorists until it’s too late. Increase your visibility by wearing bright, reflective clothing and fitting lights on your bike – especially when riding at dusk or dawn.
- Ride unplugged
- Be aware of what is happening around you and of traffic approaching from behind by listening. Keep your ears unplugged – do not ride with your iPod or MP3 player.
- Use hand signals
- In the interest of courtesy and safety, use hand signals to inform motorists of your course of action.
- Choose your route and time
- Choose your training routes wisely and avoid peak periods and routes with high traffic volumes.
- Enter fun rides for training purposes
- This is the perfect environment for long training rides and to expose yourself to real-time race conditions.
- Safety in numbers
- Avoid riding alone. Group riding will teach you race-riding skills and will ensure that help is readily available in case of an emergency.
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What motorists can do:
- ‘Think bike’
- Watch out for cyclists, drive safely and show respect. Be aware of cyclists who may be on your inside when turning. Don’t cut them off.
- Be patient towards cyclists
- A few seconds lost while driving behind a cyclist hardly affects your total journey time.
- Obey the traffic rules
- Keep within speed limits and signal before turning. Always obey traffic laws and signs.
- Give cyclists space and pass wide
- Never force your way past a cyclist. Leave at least a metre (ideally 1.5 metres) between yourself and a cyclist when passing.
