Commuting to work in jhb safe?

[Sai kic]

Due to the amazing hike of the petrol price, I believe everybody is thinking about saving petrol and money.

I've always wanted to cycle to work, question is, do I carry pepper spray?

Do I take quite/busy routes?

Do I ride at peak hour traffic?

Should I even ride at all?

[Bobbo_SA]

From where -> to where?

 

I know a few guys that ride have ridden from the South into the CBD but from all their experiences its not something for the faint of heart.

[V12man]

Due to the amazing hike of the petrol price, I believe everybody is thinking about saving petrol and money.

 

YES

 

I've always wanted to cycle to work, question is, do I carry pepper spray?

 

YES - on you, not on the bike.

 

Do I take quite/busy routes?

 

Quiet - if you can find it - leave your lights on all the time - even if it is light.

 

Do I ride at peak hour traffic?

 

Yes

 

Should I even ride at all?

 

That is one thing you won't regret - unless you don't have a shower at work.

 

[mudda]

Safe ? You need to be way more alert than on a weekend ride at 6am. Cars will skip stop streets, they will turn in front of you. Taxis may run red lights. Pedestrians have no idea of speed, and how fast you can close in on them. You need a bell, but that wont mean that they will realize you there. Buses and trucks are terrible. Always be aware if there is a bus/truck, and make sure you are as far away from them as possible.

 

Busy routes are better when traffic is at a stand still; however I use mainly single track on the side of the main road and/or pavements. This makes it a little safer.

 

Once you become "street" smart on your commute , it will be safer.

 

For me, using a MTB makes it as safe as it can be, I generally avoid road where I can.

 

Try it, and be prepared ... you either going to like it or hate it.

 

For me, its been awesome. I have learnt a lot.

[Sai kic]

From where -> to where?

 

I know a few guys that ride have ridden from the South into the CBD but from all their experiences its not something for the faint of heart.

I stay on the east side, Kensington and commute to hyde park. I know its a ride, but a good ride. Did it before on a weekend, took an hour.

[Sai kic]

Thank for the reply, Ive always wanted to cycle to work, thought it was a bit scary. I plan to go with my MTB so i can go on the pavement. A little fun before and after work.

Your tips will help a lot. And fortunately there are showers at my work!! All I need is to get lights.

[Sai kic]

Another issue I forgot to raise, Are there a lot of incidents of commuters getting jumped?

[Tumbleweed]

Used to commute to Sauer Street from the East Rand. Never had one issue.

[Tumbleweed]

Another issue I forgot to raise, Are there a lot of incidents of commuters getting jumped?

 

What time will you leave?

[Sai kic]

What time will you leave?

Id have to leave at about 7 and it would take me about 1 hour to get to work.

[Tumbleweed]

Id have to leave at about 7 and it would take me about 1 hour to get to work.

 

I reckon you'll be safe at that time. Plenty busy.

[kosmonooit]

I commute from the same kinda area to Rosebank, haven't really had a problem in terms of mugging or being jumped but I do carry pepper spray in case. I've seen smash & grabs happen in front of me,

 

The roads are another story. At least the drivers. Running red light is not limited to taxis. Expect everyone to turn or pull out in front of you, kugels in SUV's are the worst imo. No one gives way, even if you have right of way.

 

Use a hardy mtb with kevlar lined tyres and make us of the pavements and back roads as much as possible Do not expect any consideration on the roads, you wont get it.

[Andrew64]

Always expect the unexpected, biggest problem I found are pedestrians, had one run out in front of me yesterday going down Marlboro Drive, result numerous roasties and two cracked ribs. The next two would be women texting and 3 ton trucks. I have no problem with taxis at all.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Id have to leave at about 7 and it would take me about 1 hour to get to work.

 

At 7am those roads are exceptionally busy, I mean two lane bumper to bumper busy, I think it will require some hair on your teeth as well as a few lights to negotiate that lot at 7 am, and much the same on the way back if you anticipate leaving between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm.

 

I am really not trying to put you off, but I would try and leave earlier or later, commuting on those roads during peak hour is going to be daunting.

[GhostSixFour]

Always expect the unexpected, biggest problem I found are pedestrians, had one run out in front of me yesterday going down Marlboro Drive, result numerous roasties and two cracked ribs. The next two would be women texting and 3 ton trucks. I have no problem with taxis at all.

 

Ouch. Agreed on the order of caution though. Taxis' aren't really an issue, they do their own thing.