I was riding on Solomon Mahlango Drive between Lynwood Road and Olympus, heading Westbound. I ride to the left of the yellow line to stay alive. Approaching Olympus Rd I see ahead the left-hand emergency lane converts into a "turn left" lane for normal traffic. I peak back to see whether cars are coming from behind and whether they intend to turn left. As suspected, two cars behind me have their indicators on. My intention is to continue straight, so I move over the line into traffic to indicate as such. Both cars zoom past me and then cuts across me into the turning lane, which is unacceptable if I was a car or a motorcycle but because I am on a bicycle it seems to be the norm. As I pass them I give them both a condescending look to show my disapproval. The front driver yells something as I pass, so I stop and walk bike to hear his commentary: "Cars have right have way, don't drive in-front of them", to which I respond "I have just as much right to be on the road as you" , his response: "Where is your license" Now, please educate me: Q1: Am I confused, or are we as cyclist, by law, allowed equal rights to other road users? Q2: In future, how should I handle a lefthand slipway if I intend to continue straight with cars coming from behind intending to turn left? Q3: Assuming I am not confused about the laws of the road, how do we educate the normal South African car drivers to the fact that cyclist are legal road users? Background: -I am training for triathlon, so I need/want to do my cycling sessions alone on the road. I think group rides are not ideal training for my goals. -I try to do my road cycling sessions during the times of day when traffic is at a minimum, but I can't avoid cars altogether. -I commute to work from time tot time, using the MTB to enable myself to stay on the side of the road and avoid interaction with cars as much as possible.
