Guest Heino Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I just have to share my thoughts, and I might add that most of it might only be my opinion and mostly uninformed. Why are we in SA (Mainly our government) are reactive? Yes, the new law has been introduced, but how good is a law if it is not enforced? It is like speeding on our roads, I am of the opinion that a lot of people speed because the law is not enforced like it should be. The fact here is that people will speed because there is no consequence for their actions, sometimes DEATH is that consequence. When will change start with ME?? I have had enough of this and today I pledge to make a difference! I will stick the 1.5 m Sticker on my vehicles, I will encourage people to do the same, most of all, I will do my part and make people see what change I can make. I will obey the rules of the road, I will promote safety, I will wear bright clothes and make sure that I am visible. This morning at coffee at the Wimpy on our ride, people were stereotyping us as cyclists, and hey, let US, YOU AND ME change that! I will be the change that we all want! I want to know that when my kids are grown up my changes have taken affect. I hope you have it in you to do the same. God Bless Burry's family. RIP Bud, you are a legend! slowpoke and Pieterg 2
Pieterg Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I just have to share my thoughts, and I might add that most of it might only be my opinion and mostly uninformed. Why are we in SA (Mainly our government) are reactive? Yes, the new law has been introduced, but how good is a law if it is not enforced? It is like speeding on our roads, I am of the opinion that a lot of people speed because the law is not enforced like it should be. The fact here is that people will speed because there is no consequence for their actions, sometimes DEATH is that consequence. When will change start with ME?? I have had enough of this and today I pledge to make a difference! I will stick the 1.5 m Sticker on my vehicles, I will encourage people to do the same, most of all, I will do my part and make people see what change I can make. I will obey the rules of the road, I will promote safety, I will wear bright clothes and make sure that I am visible. This morning at coffee at the Wimpy on our ride, people were stereotyping us as cyclists, and hey, let US, YOU AND ME change that! I will be the change that we all want! I want to know that when my kids are grown up my changes have taken affect. I hope you have it in you to do the same. God Bless Burry's family. RIP Bud, you are a legend! It will start with Me.I will start the change!!!
Guest Heino Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 This is still so unreal................ Damn dude, you have no idea! Its asif we are waiting for someone to say He made it... Im heart broken!
Molifi Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 We all know the anxiety created by hearing a vehicle nearing you from behind at high speed. We all know of cyclists who have died as a result. Why do cyclists (especially when riding alone) not train like runners, facing the oncoming traffic? Is there a specific law against it? At least then you can see what's coming your way and attempt to avoid it...
Lexx Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I dont Care what anybody says, i always ride facing the oncoming traffic. That way i can see the cars coming. Rudi Pollard, Niner and Muddy 3
gogo@ Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I've said this before. This is the quickest, dumbest way to your death. There IS a law against this, for good reason. You walk at what, 5km/hr? You run at what, 12km/hr (or 7, if you're me)? And you cycle at what??? If you're happy tootling at 12km/hr, you MAY survive. Have you, as a driver, ever encountered a cyclist coming at you at anything over 20km/hr?? And if you cycle towards the traffic, how the hell do you negotiate corners and what do you do when you see a car coming? Jump off the road???Please folks, don't encourage this - it really is stupid dangerous. Sandro, majestic, Jan Wyn and 15 others 18
Molifi Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I dont Care what anybody says, i always ride facing the oncoming traffic. That way i can see the cars coming.Me too when I'm alone. Often get hooted at by the cars though.
ThaStig Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I dont Care what anybody says, i always ride facing the oncoming traffic. That way i can see the cars coming.What happens when you meet a cyclist going in the right direction? You will definitely Care if that cyclist is me with a car coming up behind me. Lucky Luke., slowpoke and Jan Wyn 3
Lexx Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Where i live, there's only a handfull of cyclist. Maybe 10 if its a good year , and the traffic this part of the world is minimul. So i dont really have a problem like the other cyclist in the big cities. But i do understand their Concerns.
Paul Ruinaard Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 This is truly irresponsible, and goes to reinforce why there are so many dead cyclists in South Africa. You blatantly take it upon yourself to do what you deem best for your own well being rather than abide by the laws of the road. We will continue to have road deaths if we refuse to abide by a series of basic rules. If you are hurt or injured you will immediately be guilty of disobeying the rules and therefore could it only void your medical and insurance cover but also cause a huge amount of trauma to innocent drivers who would not expect you to be where you are on the road. Maybe someone already has swerved to avoid you, who is on the wrong side of the road, and caused an accident? Darwin's rules start to come to the fore.... slowpoke, Gravity, Nimby and 1 other 4
Amberdrake Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 i have done this once since i started cycling. Besides it being nice when straight road ahead. Navigating the corners with oncoming traffic and other cyclists was not pleasant in the least. Then u take into account that the pedestrians walking cant hear or see you over traffic noise. I immediately said never again. Also told friend that insisted on it never again. My 2c
Lexx Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I fully agree that its dangerous to ride into oncoming traffic. I'm a Mountain Biker, so I don't actually ride on the Tar road. There's a gravel path about 4m from the tar which I ride. So for me its safe option. But I must also admit, I've seen plenty roadies going over red robots, which is even worse.
Tubehunter Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Please let's not make this about jumping red lights but keep it specific to why we ride with traffic rather than against it. The average driver is usually not paying attention as he or she should be behind the wheel. Cycling into oncoming traffic does not give a motorist the opportunity to slow down and consider overtaking you properly. They are forced to get by you or drive over you if there is no room to get passed you. The combined opposing forces of a hit like this is always fatal even at slow speeds. Riding with the traffic is however far less intrusive on all the road users on that stretch. I find that the best way to deal with those vehicles that approach from behind with high revving motors that obviously do not seem intent on slowing down to consider safely getting by me, is to turn my head around when it is safe to do so, attempt to look the driver in the eye and show him a slow down gesture with my arm. Thinking for other road users when you're on the bike seems to be the only way to get any form of recognition on the road. slowpoke and gogo@ 2
Lexx Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I Agree with you. And that's why I don't think I will ever buy a road bike. arendoog 1
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