Commuting - Irene to Sandton - Advice please

[carrera4s]

Hi There,

 

I am considering commuting to Sandton from Irene with a road bike.

 

I am considering two routes, one via Midrand, the other via Old JHB-Pta road.

 

Midrand route

 

Old JHB Route

 

Both are about 40 km, but the Midrand route have c 200 m more climbing involved than the Old JHB route.

 

However, my first priority is safety - would it be safe to do either route on a road bike? Most other posts rather suggests a MTB or Cyclocross for commuting...?

 

My fitness levels are not quite up for 80 km's a day, so I'll cycle in he morning and take the Gautrain in the evening (leave the bike at the office) - swop around the next day. Or simply take the bike on the Gautrain back to Centurion & cycle home c 10 km (will get myself a denim bike bag...)

 

I'll hit the road at 05:00 in the morning, should be in Sandton by 6:30 to 07:00.

 

Any suggestions please? Your experiences along these routes?

Edited November 20, 2013 by carrera4s

[carrera4s]

I did a section from Olievenhoutbosch to Olifantsfontein, cross the highway and back on Old JHB - Pta this morning around 06:00 to 06:35. WAY too much traffic, even that early on already.

 

Not going to work on a road bike.

 

Now I just need a 29er ...

[Bargains]

R101 is chaos. I drive it in the mornings to Midrand. In my opinion steer clear, lots of kamikaze taxis on the road, off road, jumping red lights etc.

[carrera4s]

R101 is chaos. I drive it in the mornings to Midrand. In my opinion steer clear, lots of kamikaze taxis on the road, off road, jumping red lights etc.

 

Yip, even Olievenhoutbosch through Louwlardia was chaos as well.

[Wet Ears]

Surely just going to get worse with the tolls too, people using side roads

[David Marshall]

The route you show through Rooihuiskraal, Noordwyk etc is not bad. I have accompanied my son who sometimes commutes to Pta. The worst part is from Irene to Rooihuiskraal. I would worry on this section if you go home in the evenings. Good lights, ride safe and enjoy being on the bike.

[carrera4s]

The route you show through Rooihuiskraal, Noordwyk etc is not bad. I have accompanied my son who sometimes commutes to Pta. The worst part is from Irene to Rooihuiskraal. I would worry on this section if you go home in the evenings. Good lights, ride safe and enjoy being on the bike.

 

How would the traffic be from Olifantsfontein to Woodmead Drive (through Noordwyk & Halfway Gardens)?

 

And then the best route from there to Sandton?

 

Not planning the trip back at this stage - will get a bike bag and take the Gautrain to Centurion, but I do have good lights from Bennie Dikwiel.

 

I'll also probably rather stay off Nelmapius as far as possible, only use Nelmapius to Main Rd, turn right and then take Alexandra / Olievenhoutbosh to meet Nelmapius at The N1 again:

 

Revised Midrand Route

Edited December 4, 2013 by carrera4s

[kosmonooit]

Old Jhb road very narrow in places, and the verge very eroded/dodgy, and taxis gap it a lot, I think you will be better off riding with commuter mtb so you can go off-road/pavement as much as possible and when needed.

[David Marshall]

T

How would the traffic be from Olifantsfontein to Woodmead Drive (through Noordwyk & Halfway Gardens)?

 

And then the best route from there to Sandton?

 

Not planning the trip back at this stage - will get a bike bag and take the Gautrain to Centurion, but I do have good lights from Bennie Dikwiel.

 

I'll also probably rather stay off Nelmapius as far as possible, only use Nelmapius to Main Rd, turn right and then take Alexandra / Olievenhoutbosh to meet Nelmapius at The N1 again:

 

Revised Midrand Route

 

The traffic is heavy but the roads are wide enough to ride. I would go from Noordwyk through Vorna Valley, Waterfall Estate, Sunninghill and down Bowling or Rivonia Road which ever is widest.

[dirtrider]

No bicycles on the Gautrain !!!!

 

There is no safe route . I did the Centurion to SAndton City ride a few years ago on a MTB and eventually gave up , as it's too dangerous . And like been mentioned , lots of people will be heading for the back routes in their cages !!