Looking for University of Joburg (UJ) cyclists

[nonky]

Thanks for that. This initiative is as well looking at ways to make the Campus Square intersection safer for drivers and NMT users. Some bold ideas and proposals are on the table.

Mr. Suleman, I challenge you to point out 2 synchronized traffic lights from UJ, past the SABC, past Wits, all the way to the top of Empire (in Hillbrow). The traffic lights are out or broken for WEEKS at a time. I have lived in the area for a decade and my daughter attends school there - the traffic has NEVER been worse. The intersections at Wits, the SABC and Campus Square are utter nightmares in all directions. No-one in their right mind would cycle along those arterials - firstly, there's no room for bikes and, secondly, the taxis, regular buses and rea vaya buses appear to be in a competition for the most reckless driving in the Gauteng - in, over and out of the dedicated bus lanes. The situation towards Westdene is not much better but I, luckily, don't travel that way much.

[clyde79]

Mr. Suleman, I challenge you to point out 2 synchronized traffic lights from UJ, past the SABC, past Wits, all the way to the top of Empire (in Hillbrow). The traffic lights are out or broken for WEEKS at a time. I have lived in the area for a decade and my daughter attends school there - the traffic has NEVER been worse. The intersections at Wits, the SABC and Campus Square are utter nightmares in all directions. No-one in their right mind would cycle along those arterials - firstly, there's no room for bikes and, secondly, the taxis, regular buses and rea vaya buses appear to be in a competition for the most reckless driving in the Gauteng - in, over and out of the dedicated bus lanes. The situation towards Westdene is not much better but I, luckily, don't travel that way much.

 

what are those?

[Dirkitech]

Too many cars and no Bicycles

 

I would personally substitue cars with taxi's and add a minor splash of irresponsible jaywalkers (heidelberg onramp).

 

I recently started a topic asking for advice on how to commute from Alberton, past UJ, up to Randburg, but heck, deathwish says deathwish is a deathwish. taxis.

[I_Cycle_Jozi]

I understand exactly what you mean, I live not too far from Kingsway Road. I use to cycle to Wits, and not once did I use that road. It is a nightmare! That is why, in discussion between JUCA, CoJ and JDA we agreed not to have cycle lanes along Kingsway, but rather to use 8th street, Caroline Str, Fulham Rd, Bunting Road, Ditton Ave and Richmond Rd. The full UJ Wits route can be viewed on the JUCA website.

So yeah, I agree with you, and I am not asking which cyclists use that road, but rather, if any cyclists cycle to UJ, I use to cycle to UJ Kingsway for a brief period, and cycled to UJ Doornfontein on numerous occasions. I am sure there are others.

But thanks for your comment, I am definitely going to bring all of this up in our next meeting with the city.

[Hussain]

A little of topic... anyone know if UJ has like a cycleclub? Would be nice to ride with some fellow students

[SCloete11]

i would like and have cycled to campus (kingsway) but few issues were:

 

-taxis on pavement coming up from emmarentia through melville towards campus and the fact they "own" the campus square intersection

-The campus square intersection is a nightmare ( as mentioned a few times) and if its rained before guranteed the lights will be out

- Parking on campus for bicycles

- Told we couldn't use gym showers unless we were members

 

i rode from cresta/northcliff area to kingsway and back

[I_Cycle_Jozi]

A little of topic... anyone know if UJ has like a cycleclub? Would be nice to ride with some fellow students

Apparently we will be meeting one of the UJ Sports Administrators.Will find out and let you know.

[I_Cycle_Jozi]

i would like and have cycled to campus (kingsway) but few issues were:

 

-taxis on pavement coming up from emmarentia through melville towards campus and the fact they "own" the campus square intersection

-The campus square intersection is a nightmare ( as mentioned a few times) and if its rained before guranteed the lights will be out

- Parking on campus for bicycles

- Told we couldn't use gym showers unless we were members

 

i rode from cresta/northcliff area to kingsway and back

 

Great, are you willing to cycle to campus if some of the in-campus issues are addressed? For instance, parking on campus, gym showers? And maybe join our next meeting to advocate for UJ cyclists needing parking, access to showers, etc.? I need to prove that people do, even if occasionally, cycle to campus, and I would appreciate your assistance and if you know any others who ride.

 

When CycleWits started we didn't have these either, we didn't even have access to campus, but through continuous work, we gained access to the showers and gained side gate access into campus. As for parking, we were asked to draw up proposals and hand it in, I am not sure if there has been any progress to-date as I am no longer a Witsie.

 

As for the other two issues, I feel for you. The taxis on that emmerentia section is bad, I ride that often, but with the mountain bike its much easier. The campus square intersection is a nightmare, but we hoping for some positive changes there.

[Minster Shand Seimela]

Im a commuter I love bicycle im at uj let's form a club

[I_Cycle_Jozi]

Im a commuter I love bicycle im at uj let's form a club

 

@Crank11, @Hussain and @ Minster. We are meeting UJ admin at a meeting his Thursday. Please send me your personal email adresses on a private chat and I will forward you the details of the meeting. If anyone else from UJ or Wits is interested in joining the meeting, please get in touch with me as well. 

The meeting is this Thursday so I need your details soonest.

 

JMPD will be at the meeting, along with JUCA, JRA, CoJ, Cycle Jozi, JDA, UJ and Wits. Let us hope this is the first step in getting the Braamfontein cycle lanes exclusive to cyclists!