There is currently a negative attitude with regards to the safety of cyclist on SA Roads. With various accidents, bike jackings and presumably mis-managed organizations and governmental initiatives, the overall feeling on BikeHub is that something needs to be done, but the 'what' and 'who' has not been pin pointed yet. Last weekend while cycling on the R104 shoulder from Cullinan to Pretoria, a miracle happened: A super natural force pushed me off the shoulder onto the gravel (this wasn't fatigue) just split-seconds before a drunk or inattentive driver swooped by on the shoulder of the lane @ 140 km/h. Without a doubt I would've been hit and died if it wasn't for God's intervention. The few cars behind honked their horns at the fleeing car and slowed down to ask if I was alright. A testimony of life saving miracle is always a sensitive story, as there are many other cyclists who did not have the luck which I did and either fell, got bike-jacked or collided with cars with terrible consequences. Therefore, my testimony is rather the incredible power of prayer and the effect it has had on the well-being and safety aspect of my cycling. Countless times, the grace of God protected me and putting my mind at ease as I ride next to reckless taxis, through dodgy areas and even preventing me getting aggressive with the hooligans on the road. Dedicated cycling lanes, carrying pepper-spray, flashing lights and bumper stickers reduce cycling risks but don't act on the problem: People's hearts. That is where God and our prayers come in: God is the only One that can act supernaturally on peoples hearts, in weird and wonderful ways. And they don't even have to make a conscious decision to change; it can be enforced by the prayers of anyone believing their prayers will be answered. I would like to encourage all Christians to pray the following once, before every ride or even daily:Pray for your and all other cyclist's safety, for sound decision making, for calmness and that you will again appreciate the ability to do this wonderful sport. There is a nice book called Prayer of Protection by Joseph Prince.Pray for all drivers and other road users, their safety, their awareness and patience when encountering a cyclist or group ride.Pray for the government, PPA/CSA and SANRAL for guidance and a willingness to make the roads safer for everyone.Pray for your family to be safe while you are out on the road or trails and also to give them assurance of your safe return.I would appreciate if this thread can become a collection of testimonies by people who encountered Godly miracles, to enlighten others about the power of our wonderful God. And also a timeline tipping point where the cycling accidents on our roads decrease (even though it is cycling peak season). If there are any questions, please post on the thread or pm me. I hope that it would be very beneficial or at least bring a positive outlook to the situation of SA roads. Have a blessed weekend.
