According to the signage dogs must be on a leash and as pointed out, in practice, they seldom are, which is actually insane in the parks of the Spruit. What pees me off is that I cycle along using about 1/4M2 of space, whilst 3 or 4 strollers with 4 or 5 unleashed dogs can use up to half an acre! You're under threat from all directions as you pass through the "storm". In Emmerentia Dam I earned my first "Dog Stripes". I was cruising at a fair lick (not a mad pace), when a boxer (dog!) ran (from a considerable distance) straight into my front wheel, launching me instantly into space. Fortunately I de-cleated successfully, went over the bars, and landed ahead of the bike by 4 or 5 meters, in a cloud of dust. Amazingly, I was totally unharmed, and after straightening the handlebars was on my way, after using some fruity language on the dog's owners... But guys and girls, we have to lower the agro level on this our very own piece of freedom.
