The City of Cape Town has urged all road users to exercise caution and common sense on the city’s roads, in view of the increased number of cyclists training for cycle races such as the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour.
“Cape Town is proud of its title as ‘Cycle City’. In everyone’s best interest, we call on all road users to share the road. There is enough space for everyone,” said Alderman J P Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
Along with the increased number of cyclists taking to the roads, comes an unfortunate increase in the number of accidents involving cyclists. This is something that could be avoided, if all road users – motor vehicle drivers and cyclists – approached the issue with the understanding that they shared the road, each with their own rights and responsibilities.
There are ten ways for cyclists to stay safer on Cape Town’s roads:
- Be visible. Unlike in many global cities – where thousands of cyclists commute by bike and drivers are used to keeping an eye out – drivers in South Africa don’t always expect cyclists. So they see them at the last minute. Cyclists can help by wearing high-visibility clothing (orange, neon green or pink), flashing LED belts and trouser-straps – and by riding 1.5m in from the road edge (you’re invisible if you skulk in the gutters).
- Obey the rules of the road: Cyclists should stop at stop signs and obey road signage like all other road users. Unfortunately, some cyclists do not obey road signage and this results in the bad behaviour of a few reflecting poorly on all cyclists.
- Be assertive but polite. Show other road-users respect and they will show respect to cyclists.
- Pay attention at intersections and traffic circles – particularly where you are travelling straight onward, and the vehicles are turning left. At stop streets and traffic lights, come to a stop slightly in front of the stationary vehicles, so that they’re unable to turn left in front of you.
- Be predictable. Indicate where you intend to go – and smile. Ride often and keep up your urban riding skills, as nervous, hesitant cyclists often endanger pedestrians and motorists.
- Ride in single file and wear a helmet – a helmet won’t prevent you from being involved in a crash, but it will protect your head to some extent if you are. It’s against the law to ride without a helmet.
- Don’t deliberately swerve your bike from side to side, and always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
- Light up your bike: white lights/reflectors on the front; red lights/reflectors on the back.
- Be prepared: Carry water, a pump, a patch kit (and a spare, to give to someone else), and identification (on yourself and your bike, not only in your wallet and on your phone, sadly, as these may be stolen if you’re in a collision). Check your bike for obvious mechanical problems every time you leave for a ride.
- Report dangerous and reckless driving – and don’t be guilty of such ‘driving’ yourself.
“City Traffic Officers will be focusing the behaviour of both cyclists and motorists and where the law is broken, fines will be issued. While Traffic Officers will continue to monitor the behaviour of both cyclists and motorists, we appeal to all road users to exercise tolerance, awareness and mutual respect, especially during this busy cycling season,” said Smith.
- For more information and tips on safe cycling, contact either of the following organisations: The Pedal Power Association or the Bicycle Empowerment Network
- For more information on the City’s dedicated cycle lanes, contact 0800 65 64 63. Also use this number to report any unsafe activity on cycle lanes
