R44 to Rooiels - be warned!

[Ertjies]

OK so Sunday was just absolutely beautiful weather in Stellenbosch, so I decided to take a morning ride out to Betties.

 

This most scenic route past Rooiels is awe inspiring. I've cycled here for many years, and it always takes my breath away.

 

So there I was, enjoying the ride, when out of nowhere a car screamed past me! The mirror literally touched my slieve - almost took my head off! WTF!! I wanted to chase it down and bite on its tires! But alas...the steep ascent onto the hill before Betties quickly killed my resolve.

 

But truth be told, I didn't hear it coming. It is a frightful experience. That road is so narrow, that if you lose your concentration for a second it can be tickets. I also think motorists are sight seeing on this route, so they aren't so aware of cyclists.

 

What can we do to proactively address this problem? I would appreciate any suggestions.

[milky4130]

I can recall similar incidents like this being reported here in the past, same location, etc. Keep reporting it to SAPS until someone takes note, maybe write a letter to the local newspapers.

[PhilipV]

I've stopped riding that road because of this.

It's just not safe any more. It's a pity, as it's a beautiful stretch of road.

[gummibear]

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/131542-watch-out-for-cj-32166/

[Jorrie]

Road there once with my bike, never again. That road should be closed for either cars or cyclists its just to narrow and with the south easter blowing I recon its one of the safer options if you want to commit suicide!

 

[Pieterg]

Sad

[Smurfy]

OK so Sunday was just absolutely beautiful weather in Stellenbosch, so I decided to take a morning ride out to Betties.

 

This most scenic route past Rooiels is awe inspiring. I've cycled here for many years, and it always takes my breath away.

 

So there I was, enjoying the ride, when out of nowhere a car screamed past me! The mirror literally touched my slieve - almost took my head off! WTF!! I wanted to chase it down and bite on its tires! But alas...the steep ascent onto the hill before Betties quickly killed my resolve.

 

But truth be told, I didn't hear it coming. It is a frightful experience. That road is so narrow, that if you lose your concentration for a second it can be tickets. I also think motorists are sight seeing on this route, so they aren't so aware of cyclists.

 

What can we do to proactively address this problem? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Wont riding in a group make you more visible? Just a thought.

[mlc]

Had a similar experience over Xmas 2 years ago - gentle early morning solo road ride from Betty's to Kogelbaai & back, on the way back a bakkie towing a boat almost clipped me at high speed (he was going way too fast especially consdering he is towing a boat) - no oncoming traffic so he had plenty of space so really no excuse - not a fun experience, don't think I've ridden that road again.

[nathrix]

I would suggest you ride with a camera there and report reckless & negligence driving to the local SAPS and hand over the footage with the number plate of the vehicle as there is a 1 meter rule.

[Seepglad]

The scenic bit towards Rooi-Els is fine, just the section to Betties that's crap with the yellow lane.

[Napalm]

What about something like this? I went to the launch last week, and looks promising

 

http://www.backtracker.io/

[Smurfy]

What about something like this? I went to the launch last week, and looks promising

 

http://www.backtracker.io/

What would it retail for?

['Dale]

Glad you're okay

 

It's a beautiful stretch of heaven indeed

 

Are there signs up that alerts motorists to 'watch out for cyclists' or something?

[Napalm]

What would it retail for?

 

Ballpark figure I heard was between 1,5k and 2k

[Seepglad]

I am involved with @ridebacktracker - it is being crowdfunded off http://buy.backtracker.io, till August.

[Backtracker]

Hi Guys

 

We are now here:

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/141169-introducing-backtracker/