Cape Town Cycle Lane

[Hairy]

there are many examples where 'roads' have taken away the hard shoulder to increase the number of lanes , one example that comes to mind is between theo marais and the old killarney hotel traffic lights. the hard and wide shoulder on the sea side after the flea market site could have been taken away to build a cycling lane, this leads all the way into the harbour. no need for security cameras, no pedestrians, no quiet areas, no bridge overhangs (where the muggers hide). no need to cross so many roads.

 

Therein also lies a problem as the harbour authorities are and were against the general public cycling through the harbour. The harbour is also not the safest of locations to cycle through when there is very little traffic around with more than enough escape routes available for potential muggers to feel.

 

I can not see what the objection is to the cycle lane diverting along to the old rail way line where the BRT route currently runs. There are a couple of pedestrians on the route, but nothing serious.

 

As an absolute bonus you are also more sheltered from the wind (Good Old SE) via the cycle lane compared to the West coast road.

[LeTurbo]

In one of those "City News" inserts in the local papers, it said you are not compelled to ride on the cycle lane; it's a matter of choice. At present, at least.

[Hairy]

Question: Is it illegal to use the shoulder of the road when there is a cycling lane?

 

There was a debate on this question on some other thread a while ago, the general verdict was split and I don't recall anyone actually taking the time to find the correct legislature on this.

 

The concept, in my opinion, is that should the shoulder be available and you do not make use of it to avoid a hazardous route, then do so.

 

I would be interested to know how an Life Insurance company would respond should a claim for a policy payout due to a death from a bread winner, along the road adjacent to a cycle lane, would respond. Should the first question that you posed be answered that it is illegal to cycle here adjacent to a designated cycle lane, then I would imagine that they might consider this with the payout to the deceased persons family.

 

Consider it again. Is it worth it loosing max. 10min on your ride by riding on the road and not the cycle lane?

[DJR]

I used the whole Blaauwberg cycle lane this morning from the city centre all the way through Melkbos (and further on across the R27 and to Atlantis) and back again. The whole of it was simply GREAT, with flowers everywhere and the weather perfect after the last bit of rain and storms. I saw quite a few council workers doing maintenance and security staff at every BRT station. The whole thing works so brilliantly, I just had to tell somebody, again.

[Shebeen]

Figured this is the best thread to chat about CT bike lanes/commuting etc.

 

I managed to come across a rather hectic scene this morning at the Woodstock station/church street. Joined the route from the bridge to ride into town, and there was a 10 strong possee about to lynch someone. I stopped to see what the commotion was about, and both the accused and the lynch mob asked me to mediate their kangaroo court.

Was kind of hard to see from the evidence what the real story was, but the accused said he had been attacked – they said he had been attacked by other people for being a thief and robbing cyclists. He then said he had been robbed himself, and showed me his empty wallet. I did question him on how he got to work as there was only a monthly train ticket in it that did check out against his so-called daily route(although he could have just read it).

Luckily I got relieved by the cops who came to sort it out. Keep an eye out, the mob said that there were loads of guys preying on cyclists there.

[Kranky]

@shebeen that incident have any connection to this tweet?

 

"Involved in an attempted bike jacking this morning on the @MyCiTiBus route at Woodstock Stn. What is the @CityofCT doing about this ****?"

[bj horn]

I don't like that section from the Woodstock bus station to the bridge as there are gaps in the fence and seems to be quite a bit of movement through that area.Also the section in amongst the trees near the Trainlodge has plenty of people sleeping in the ditch and the place is filthy.I try to keep other cyclists in view,hopefully that will help.I wont use that section in the dark.

[Shebeen]

@shebeen that incident have any connection to this tweet?

 

"Involved in an attempted bike jacking this morning on the @MyCiTiBus route at Woodstock Stn. What is the @CityofCT doing about this ****?"

https://twitter.com/...184775676182528

 

Quite possibly.

He did mention something else about a collision with a cyclist earlier.

Let me tweet him and follow up.

 

edit: tweeted, love the power of the interwebs.

Edited August 2, 2013 by Shebeen

[DJR]

Agreed - City of Cape Town MUST SECURE THAT PART OF THE CYCLE LANE - between Paarden Eiland and the City Council Building is the WEAKEST LINK! Missing fences and easy access and escape for robbers - NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Come on, PROVE THAT YOU ARE THE CITY THAT WORKS FOR CYCLISTS!

[Shebeen]

Agreed - City of Cape Town MUST SECURE THAT PART OF THE CYCLE LANE - between Paarden Eiland and the City Council Building is the WEAKEST LINK! Missing fences and easy access and escape for robbers - NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Come on, PROVE THAT YOU ARE THE CITY THAT WORKS FOR CYCLISTS!

that's the only bit I ride on actually!

[bj horn]

Also the cycleroute around the Civic Centre needs to be relooked ,lots of pedestrians ,cars dropping off and busses coming and going.Almost got taken out by a bus on Tues.

[Shebeen]

Also the cycleroute around the Civic Centre needs to be relooked ,lots of pedestrians ,cars dropping off and busses coming and going.Almost got taken out by a bus on Tues.

where's the best place to comment...there are lots of 'forums' around, but surely the cyclists view would be invaluable in helping create a system that works, and will be used.

 

I laugh every time I have to negotiate the liesbeck parkway/N2 underpass section. it's beyond a joke, but I'm not sure if the powers that be realise this.

[Eddy Gordo]

Question: Is it illegal to use the shoulder of the road when there is a cycling lane?

 

This is taken from http://www.capetown....artCycling.aspx

 

Regulations:

• Riding without a helmet is illegal.
  
• Always stop at all red traffic lights and all stop streets, and give way to pedestrians.
  
• You must ride on the left of the road.
  
• You must be seated in your saddle.
  
• You must ride in single file.
  
• You may not deliberately swerve your bicycle from side to side.
  
• If you are riding on a public road where there is a bicycle lane, you must use that lane.
  

 

Also if you open the link take note about the rules regarding single file and riding on the m5 N2 and N1

Edited August 2, 2013 by Eddy Gordo

[Hairy]

Also the cycleroute around the Civic Centre needs to be relooked ,lots of pedestrians ,cars dropping off and busses coming and going.Almost got taken out by a bus on Tues.

The long distance busses on that section are a menace to society.....had many close calls there, one of them being literally being pushed into the illegally parked cars on the side of the road by the bus.

[Kranky]

This is taken from http://www.capetown....artCycling.aspx

 

Regulations:

• Riding without a helmet is illegal.
  
• Always stop at all red traffic lights and all stop streets, and give way to pedestrians.
  
• You must ride on the left of the road.
  
• You must be seated in your saddle.
  
• You must ride in single file.
  
• You may not deliberately swerve your bicycle from side to side.
  
• If you are riding on a public road where there is a bicycle lane, you must use that lane.
  

 

I have some reservations about the first, fourth and last as obligatory rules (I'll keep my rant to last to stay on topic).

 

Bicycles lanes in Cape Town are often poorly designed.

 

I get most annoyed by bicycle lanes that are separated from the main road but cross all the side streets, which can be close together. Even though cyclists have right of way on these lanes, I find motorists rarely consider the users of these lanes, as they are not seen as part of the road. Much like riding on the pavement, every crossing is a hazard. When these lanes are on offer, I feel safer on the road and therefore ignore the lane. Example: the lane along Newlands Avenue. Here I prefer being visible in the road instead of suddenly appearing out of the bushes to cross a side street. I've even seen a runner get hit because the driver didn't see him.

 

Another example of poor design is the Bree Street lane. At the bottom the cycle route has a section where you have to go down or up stairs, fine on a mountain bike but think of the hipsters. Then, you have to get off and push your bike over the bridge

 

Should cyclists be obliged to take these dodgy or inconvenient routes where perfectly safe alternatives on public roads exist?

 

I'm sure you guys can compile an even more extensive list of dodgy lanes.

Edited August 2, 2013 by Nick.

[Hairy]

I have some reservations about the first, fourth and last as obligatory rules (I'll keep my rant to last to stay on topic).

 

Bicycles lanes in Cape Town are often poorly designed.

 

I get most annoyed by bicycle lanes that are separated from the main road but cross all the side streets, which can be close together. Even though cyclists have right of way on these lanes, I find motorists rarely consider the users of these lanes, as they are not seen as part of the road. Much like riding on the pavement, every crossing is a hazard. When these lanes are on offer, I feel safer on the road and therefore ignore the lane. Example: the lane along Newlands Avenue. Here I prefer being visible in the road instead of suddenly appearing out of the bushes. I've even seen a runner get hit because the driver didn't see him.

 

Another example of poor design is the Bree Street lane. At the bottom the cycle route has a section where you have to go down or up stairs, fine on a mountain bike but think of the hipsters. Then, you have to get off and push your bike over the bridge Are cyclists obliged to take this route instead of the roads?

 

I'm sure you guys can compile an even more extensive list of dodgy lanes.

Dude..... you go under the bridge at the pedestrian crossing ... there is a bicycle only lane there too ... but pedestrians fill it up.