simpythegimpy2

As usual Stephen Grootes puts it best: http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-09-19-op-ed-mashabas-johannesburg-job-is-tough-but-not-impossible/#.V99_75h97IU

Lefty, have you ever cycled into town? I am not sure you have because you would have seen the terrible lanes that go from street level onto a pavement and back again onto the road right in front of a Pick n Pay. Terrible. They have used some pavements, but why should pedestrians get less space so that there are more lanes for cars? Doesn't make sense to me when the city is trying to improve for people who don't have cars(read:public transport, pedestrians, cyclists).

Some thoughtful insights here. I certainly don't agree that it has been a waste. I see people using the lanes fairly regularly, but I would agree that they are underused. I would also say that bike lanes should have been built on main arterial roads, such as Emmarentia Road in Parkview and then also on roads connecting places like William Nicol. I think the problem is that Jhb decided to go with London's initial 'quiet ways' (since shelved) or whatever they are called plan, which means cyclists have to get off main roads and cycle on other roads. All this to say that overall cycle lanes are a pro poor policy and we shouldn't stop what has been started, but perhaps rethink it.

What exactly would you say is 'unused'. Because I use them all the time and I regularly see people using them. 100 odd years of urban, car-centric planning isn't going to get hordes of cyclists. These things take time. Long, long, long time.

You can't need one that badly if you're only willing to pay R1000. I would say you need to spend at least R4000 on a bike (new, maybe R2500 second hand) that will last and that you will enjoy. You can buy something at Game for R1000 but it will look ***, be heavy and last all of a month. Spend some money, get nice tyres, a good lock, and your bike will last you years and will save you money in the long run (taxis, uber, public transport). Easier said than done because I know not everyone has money like that but I can't emphasise enough how spending the money up front will be worth it.

Who stocks fairdale in South Africa? They do look nice but I haven't seen a stockist in SA.

Hi So I used a fold up bike and the train from Capt Town station to Pinelands station. It worked. But there are issues. 1. Bold up bikes are heavy and dragging them through stations are a problem. 2. Generally the people manning the ticket offices don't worry, especially if it is not peak times, but sometimes I had huge fights becuase there is this random old rule that people have to pay R10 for a 'parcel' ticket. I spoke to various high ups about it and they agreed with me about not having ot pay the ticket, but the people checking tickets are just that, ticket checkers and sometimes know only how to follow rules. After doing this for about 8 months I decided to try out cycling the whole way (14km). I discovered that most of my route was on quiet roads and/or cycle paths and it took exactly the same time. Above all it was much more enjoyable. My advice would be to see if you could cycle the whole way. Get someone to ride with you on the weekend to try it out and then, if possible, just do it. If you still go with the train and fold up bike route, then Dahon have offices in CT and are pretty good bikes. I use a Mezzo which I like but I haven't seen any more of in South Africa. L

Op-Ed: Sandton Ecomobility Month – more ambition needed On Monday morning the Sandton CBD will return to normal, after a month in which the City of Johannesburg flirted with changing the transport behaviour of the people who work in the city. As part of an international initiative, passenger cars were blocked from using several lanes in and out of the area, contra-flow lanes were handed over to public transport, and park-and-ride facilities were created. One of the main aims of Ecomobility Month was to get people to think before using their cars, and change how they moved about the city. This was good a start. By STEPHEN GROOTES. Full article: http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-11-01-op-ed-sandton-ecomobility-month-more-ambition-needed/#.VjhEsmvYn9s

True, but I think they are voiceless and figuratively rather invisible (although I really wish they weren't).

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/davehillblog/2015/oct/12/why-are-london-cyclists-so-white-male-and-middle-class?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Two things: 1. Is there not an environmentally friendly option for those water sachets? 2. I would add that the guys from Bonifokasi (spelling?) helped me a lot, as I was unprepared for my puncture.

Congratulations to all those who helped organise the Freedom Ride. It was really excellent and well run. City of Jo'burg, Hollard Insurance and the JMPD were all excellent. '

My thoughts: Crumplers are made for cycling and are basically indestructible. There are three in our household. Get a back rack if at all possible. Will make you safer because cars can see your bright bib and will make you sweat much less. Good luck. If you pick a quiet route I don't think you'll be back in your car anytime soon.

I mean that in traffic, especially gridlock cars can't really get up a head of steam and are therefore less dangerous.

http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-09-10-city-of-johannesburg-still-has-a-way-to-go-to-keep-people-moving/#.VfFSSpfcKxN