Safest Road Routes in Cape Town

[leaboy]

Before I begin yes I did search for a similar topic in theHubs Forums but found nothing similar, hence the new post.

 

I'm in the process of buying a road bike so natrually one needs to ride on the road with one of those.

Unfortunately we're living in a time where most vehicles have little or no regard for cyclists.

 

My question to all cyclists living in the mother city is where's the best/safest place to cycle?

 

Or better yet I guess I could also ask also what areas to avoid when cycling on the road.

 

Look forward to your feedback...

['Dale]

leaboy,

 

The route via Camps Bay, Llandudno, Houtbay, Chapman's Peak, Sun Valley is a popular training and commuting route for cyclists.

My guess is that motorists are also very used to cyclists on this stretch and are more sensitized than on most other routes.

 

Scenic. Yes.

Shoulder next to yellow line. Mostly.

Visibility. Decent.

[DJR]

I love to ride: (Beautiful and bike friendly with enough climbing to make for great training)

1. Simonstown, Smitswinkels, Scarborough, Slangkop, Kommetjie, Sun Valley, Black Hill, Simonstown. for a medium one

2. Simonstown, Smitswinkels, Red Hill, Simonstown for a quick one

3. Camps Bay, Suikerbossie, Hout Bay, Noordhoek and back the same way for a medium one

4. Hout Bay, Chapmans peak, Noordhoek and back for a very quick one

5. Add the above together as you feel for a long one

6. Tafelberg Road from Signal Hill to Devils peak for a little light leg spinner

7 Cycle path from City Centre to Blouberg and Melkbos back for a flat one and riding into Southeaster

 

I don't ride if possible to avoid :

1. Muisenberg to Fish Hoek main road (too narrow)

2. Bantry Bay and Clifton (too narrow)

3. Constantia neck (too narrow)

4. Main Road M4 through Southern Suburbs (too busy & narrow)

 

I don't like to, but I do ride:

1. The back of Red Hill (squatter camp), but never had safety issues

2. Ocean view to Sun Valley (squatter camp) glass on side of road, but never had a puncture there

 

I never ride:

1. The M3

2. The M5

[alsoran]

Before I begin yes I did search for a similar topic in theHubs Forums but found nothing similar, hence the new post.

 

I'm in the process of buying a road bike so natrually one needs to ride on the road with one of those.

Unfortunately we're living in a time where most vehicles have little or no regard for cyclists.

 

My question to all cyclists living in the mother city is where's the best/safest place to cycle?

 

Or better yet I guess I could also ask also what areas to avoid when cycling on the road.

 

Look forward to your feedback...

 

Are you based in the Southern Suburbs or Northern Suburbs?

[leaboy]

Are you based in the Southern Suburbs or Northern Suburbs?

 

Southern

[leaboy]

leaboy,

 

The route via Camps Bay, Llandudno, Houtbay, Chapman's Peak, Sun Valley is a popular training and commuting route for cyclists.

My guess is that motorists are also very used to cyclists on this stretch and are more sensitized than on most other routes.

 

Scenic. Yes.

Shoulder next to yellow line. Mostly.

Visibility. Decent.

 

Thanks! That sounds like a decent route, what kind of distance would you cover with that route +-

[leaboy]

I love to ride: (Beautiful and bike friendly with enough climbing to make for great training)

1. Simonstown, Smitswinkels, Scarborough, Slangkop, Kommetjie, Sun Valley, Black Hill, Simonstown. for a medium one

2. Simonstown, Smitswinkels, Red Hill, Simonstown for a quick one

3. Camps Bay, Suikerbossie, Hout Bay, Noordhoek and back the same way for a medium one

4. Hout Bay, Chapmans peak, Noordhoek and back for a very quick one

5. Add the above together as you feel for a long one

6. Tafelberg Road from Signal Hill to Devils peak for a little light leg spinner

7 Cycle path from City Centre to Blouberg and Melkbos back for a flat one and riding into Southeaster

 

I don't ride if possible to avoid :

1. Muisenberg to Fish Hoek main road (too narrow)

2. Bantry Bay and Clifton (too narrow)

3. Constantia neck (too narrow)

4. Main Road M4 through Southern Suburbs (too busy & narrow)

 

I don't like to, but I do ride:

1. The back of Red Hill (squatter camp), but never had safety issues

2. Ocean view to Sun Valley (squatter camp) glass on side of road, but never had a puncture there

 

I never ride:

1. The M3

2. The M5

 

Durely noted, thanks for the advice!

Much appreciated

[Tubehunter]

Thanks! That sounds like a decent route, what kind of distance would you cover with that route +-

 

Are you a VA member?? Best option is to park at VA and ride through from there. On tight schedule to Llandudno and back. Longer schedule to the top of Chappies and back. Add some climbing? Over Chappies before you loop back.

 

There are other routes which make for awesome training but there's not much shoulder. I particularly like riding up the Glen Road in Camps Bay, but you hug the verge of the road as it's very narrow and although there's not too much traffic, there's the odd person trying to time trial up in his vehicle and you tend to catch those by surprise when they come round the bends.

['Dale]

 

 

Thanks! That sounds like a decent route, what kind of distance would you cover with that route +-

 

It's a good 70 with good climbing for hi q training.

[leaboy]

It's a good 70 with good climbing for hi q training.

 

Pretty decent distance, will definately give it a bash, and like you say that route is hardly an eye-sore

[leaboy]

Are you a VA member?? Best option is to park at VA and ride through from there. On tight schedule to Llandudno and back. Longer schedule to the top of Chappies and back. Add some climbing? Over Chappies before you loop back.

 

There are other routes which make for awesome training but there's not much shoulder. I particularly like riding up the Glen Road in Camps Bay, but you hug the verge of the road as it's very narrow and although there's not too much traffic, there's the odd person trying to time trial up in his vehicle and you tend to catch those by surprise when they come round the bends.

 

By VA i'm assuming you mean Virign Active?

If so yes I am, which VA does one ride from?

['Dale]

 

 

Pretty decent distance, will definately give it a bash, and like you say that route is hardly an eye-sore

 

Awesome ascent as well. That is what makes one strong. Climbing.

Park at Virgin Active Green Point - a favourite spot.

[JGR]

There is a parking lot across the road from the VA if you arent a member. This is also my regular route and I think its pretty safe and as most mentioned there are always cyclist so good visability even when your alone. Also good protection from the SE ... you can also return to town via geneva drive or camps bay drive but both are narrow. You can ride on the pavement on most parts of camps bay drive as it is very toit