Hi All, just wanted raise some concerns in terms of what I am seeing in and around the Cradle, Magalies and Hartebeespoort area’s. I have not seen this with organized/branded clubs training rides, but would not rule it out. I think it would be interesting to understand what the road traffic act says vs what is happening vs good common sense practices. I note that I am mountain bike and road cyclist, but do spend more time on the dirt. Having only gotten back on the road bike Dec 2019, so have been out of the loop in terms of large training rides, typically riding road alone or in small groups. Now to the topic, I have on a number of occasions now driving to MTB parks and or visits to game farms/lodges recently had near death encounters caused by cyclists riding in large bunches resulting in very frustrated drivers over taking on solid lines, forcing me off the road in my vehicle to avoid a head on collision. Also as recently an Sunday morning, heading out to Hennops MTB trail coming across private vehicles being used to support riders and actually trying to protect a large bunch of cyclists by driving with hazards on blocking drivers at 40k’s an hour, on a narrow road with a solid line. The bunch also being so spread out that there is no opportunity to safely over take even if there wasn’t a solid line. Also not riding in single file as I would expect road conditions to dictate. A bunch of people are going to get killed or badly hurt soon, and I am wondering what we can do as a community to avoid this, because surely the behavior cannot stand where large groups can seemingly do as they please on public open roads- also drivers need to abide by road rules, but even as a cyclist myself I thought what I saw was bang out of order. Would be interested to hear others thoughts on the topic as it does seem to be getting out of hand as people get back to riding in groups again post lockdown. Also with the understanding that groups are more necessary now with crime considerations etc Ride safe
