Western Cape has worst cyclists by far

[Carbon Junky]

After a long holiday in Cape Town and its surroundings, I can only say that I'm very ashamed to be called a cyclist when riding there! I have always been friendly to those that share my passion for sport, whether it be swimming, walking your dog, cycling or running. I am also one that greets my fellow cyclists and runners as this is not only friendly, but also creates a great atmosphere under each other. All I can say is that I'm shocked! Cape town has these great cycling friendly roads like no other city in SA and every cyclist I greeted gave me a bad look and just went on further. This not only happened once or twice, but more than 50 times during my 4 week stay in the Cape. I asked a fellow hubber Dealer01 when I collected my cassette from him and he says this has been going on for quite a while. How can one blame road rage against cyclists if they ride two or even 3 abreast, can't greet back or say thanks to vehicles that go out of their way to ride around these riders that ride next to each other? They have absolutely no respect for other cyclists or cars on the road for that matter. I am truely ashamed

[LazyTrailRider]

Hmmm....

 

Just a small factor you should bear in mind: Cape people in general sometimes seem less friendly and outgoing than their counterparts up north. Many of them (us) aren't as inclined to be as social, because we have the combination of living in a big city and having tons of solitary nature activities to take part in.

 

I've often found that one is much more likely to have a conversation with a stranger in a queue in Gauteng than you would be in Cape Town. It's been like this for decades...

 

EDIT: I agree with you on road courtesy in terms of behaviour though, aspects like the often mentioned riding abreast, it's BS and needs to change.

[Larry King]

Its a road cycling thing... you should rather come and mountain bike, we are all friendly

[Carbon Junky]

I get that, but I'm talking about arrogant cycling attitude that is busy developing in Cape town, most cyclists are very rude and don't even keep to the rules of the road

[Omar]

After a long holiday in Cape Town and its surroundings, I can only say that I'm very ashamed to be called a cyclist when riding there! I have always been friendly to those that share my passion for sport, whether it be swimming, walking your dog, cycling or running. I am also one that greets my fellow cyclists and runners as this is not only friendly, but also creates a great atmosphere under each other. All I can say is that I'm shocked! Cape town has these great cycling friendly roads like no other city in SA and every cyclist I greeted gave me a bad look and just went on further. This not only happened once or twice, but more than 50 times during my 4 week stay in the Cape. I asked a fellow hubber Dealer01 when I collected my cassette from him and he says this has been going on for quite a while. How can one blame road rage against cyclists if they ride two or even 3 abreast, can't greet back or say thanks to vehicles that go out of their way to ride around these riders that ride next to each other? They have absolutely no respect for other cyclists or cars on the road for that matter. I am truely ashamed

so what do you do in Potch.

 

[Carbon Junky]

Larry Montana has a great point, mostly roadies!!! And I'm a roadie so I'm not discriminating. One Capetonian decribed the roadies as weekend warriors with Tour de France kit and a *** attitude

[Icycling]

I think it's now more about just the number of cyclist on the roads in Cape Town - when I started cycling 31 years ago I / we use to greet everybody, but now with so many cyclist on Cape Town roads things have changed! Maybe the cycling population of Potchefstroom is still that of what the cycling population of Cape Town was 31 years back! It's not an excuses it just the reality of so many cyclist. I still try and greet back at least!!!!

[kingalton]

A lot of those people could be from up country on holiday as well... i was amazed in hermanus how many people didnt greet back when i went running on the cliff path, out of season the people are friendly, in season, not so much, i think the locals don't enjoy the crowds that much... could be a combination..

[Kranky]

I can't speak for the road but the majority of people on the mountain are friendly. My mates and I often stop to chat to fellow riders. Hell, we've even had guys end up riding with us the rest of the day.

 

I am more than happy to let those that don't greet wallow in their state of unhappiness. Once they've been chirped of course ;-)

[LeTurbo]

Just ride without a helmet. Nothing gets a Capetonian talking like a chance to get indignant. Of course, most Capetonians aren't really from here - they're mostly ex-Gauties, or from PE or EL.

[ibruegge]

Yeah, one thing to consider... Cape Townians are generally irritated by the thousands of Gautengers taking our parking, our beaches, our single track... but hey, I still greet everyone, even if you're from upcountry.

[Nix M2]

I've lived in cape Town my whole life and I complain about the locals all the time! Problem is, I've stopped greeting because I never get greeted back. So my rides start friendly and by half way I'm so pissed off with the cyclists and drivers that I stop greeting! You point out to someone that they reallly should wear a helmet, you get told off. Please stop at red light "F you". Please don't text while cycling "F% You". Please pass with more space "get off the F%^&ing road" So ya, I agree with you Jaco. Cape Town attitute stinks.

[Capricorn]

i tend to agree about the roadies down here: all dressed up like they came fresh off the TdF: they look your way, but no acknowledgement in any way or form. It's like they look at you so they can bask in the glory of knowing they are being looked at in return. wtf.

 

But i dont fuss anymore. I just greet: wave or nod or say hi depending on how moeg i am. can't be fussed with the assholes anymore.

 

oh there are some class assholes on dirt as well. Again. dressed like they just came fresh off a world champs podium, but somehow lost their spines in the process.

 

anyways, don't be too fussed Mr OP. That type is everywhere, not just in Cape Town.

[Wannabe]

Ah, so you must have met those Aurecon riders on the Bottelary road too!?

[Capricorn]

I've lived in cape Town my whole life and I complain about the locals all the time! Problem is, I've stopped greeting because I never get greeted back. So my rides start friendly and by half way I'm so pissed off with the cyclists and drivers that I stop greeting! You point out to someone that they reallly should wear a helmet, you get told off. Please stop at red light "F you". Please don't text while cycling "F% You". Please pass with more space "get off the F%^&ing road" So ya, I agree with you Jaco. Cape Town attitute stinks.

 

LOL, those red robot heroes and buzzing motorists. fckers the lot of them.

[MELVYNR7]

Jaco, I am sorry to hear of your experience in the city I love so much. My cycling have started very recently and at first I noticed a very friendly attitude, especially whilst cycling through the winelands and surrounding areas. then Iswitched to road bike about two months ago. What a difference............most times I was left feeling like a nothing. My observations produced the following: Cyclists with super expensive equipment have got to realise that all people are equal and that there is nothing to lose when anyone enhances and works at strengthening good and sound relationships, not only in this sport. An old lady walked up to me in Camps Bay two weeks ago saying " you look finished, man" When I explained how far I've been cycling at that point, we broke out in a bout of good laughter (bearing in mind my short time as a cyclist). Let us forget about what has happened and continue, like the majority of cyclists do, to encourage each other and build the nation through this fantastic sport. I just love all the benefits. Please do return to the wonderful city and maybe we meet on the road for a lekka chat.