Alberton to Ferndale, Randburg. Highway in the way!

[Dirkitech]

Is anyone commuting from the South of Johannesburg CBD through/past/over/under/around it, to the North of the JHB CBD?

 

If you are, which roads do you take? Which do you avoid? How do you get around/across the M2 and M1 highways?

 

Note, the attached google map shows 23.6km although the distance I personally drive (to within 1km of the randburg mark) is 27.5km.

 

Currently, other than the highway where we may not cycle, the worst part by far is the entire stretch from empire to republic. Reckless taxi's and busses and the usual speedfreak wreak havoc on that road. in almost a year of driving that route, I've only ever seen 2 cyclists (clear cyclists, not a guy pushing a bike up a hill wearing overalls or whatever) and both where on the same week during july 2014.

[rudi-h]

I don't think there's a safe route, but if you really want to, id do the following

 

Go west through turffontein, cross the M1 and get yourself into Crownwood / Xavier road. Then go north, over the one-way bridge just after crossing Booysens reserve rd, continue over main reef road. Just after the railway lines, take a left for a block to avoid the traffic and continue north until you hit smit street. Across from garden city clinic, take a right and head up past the senet tower.

 

Down the hill take a left at the traffic lights opposite the SABC and ride until you get to UJ, then a right into beyers naude. Once you get to emmarentia / marks park there are many options to ferndale.

 

It isn't a great route and you need to ride on sidewalks for a lot of the time, but its do-able on an mtb. I've commuted a portion of the described route while working in Crown Mines a few years back. Just make sure you don't do it in the dark, some of those areas are dodgy, and i'd also not try to tag a laptop along. It will most likely take your ride up to 30 odd km's, so it will be a long commute both in terms of effort and time.

[GaryvdM]

Tip for google maps directions:

 

Click on "Route Options"

 

And then under "Avoid" click on "Highways"

 

(I unfortunately can't recommend any routes.)

Edited July 31, 2014 by GaryvdM

[Dirkitech]

Thanks Rudi-H, for the thorough explanation and advice- I appreciate it! I'm somewhat familiar with the Xavier-route and will try map a route.

 

Also thanks GaryvdM, never bothered looking at googles extra features!