Traffic snarl up at Gauteng events

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Two hours, two flippin hours it took .... to travel from the cricket field to the exit gate of Cornwall College yesterday. Distance about 900metres! After riding the Trailseeker then chilling, I left at 12h00 and only got to the road at 13h54. We riders also managed to annoy a lot of motorists because the continuous stream of riders caused people trying to get into and out of the Irene Saturday market at Smuts House to queue for long periods. I witnessed a very nasty exchange between a motorist and the marshals. Somebody is going to get hurt soon because of this deficient aspect of the event organisation.

 

At the previous Bundu Bash - the same thing, 90 minutes to get out of that venue after riding the half marathon road race (supposedly an mtb event but really a road race on dirt).  

 

For all their superb race organisation skills, it seems to me that Fritz and Francois need a guiding hand with planning traffic movement. Anybody specialists out there who could volunteer their knowledge? It will help us all.

[Heel Drop]

Two hours, two flippin hours it took .... to travel from the cricket field to the exit gate of Cornwall College yesterday. Distance about 900metres! After riding the Trailseeker then chilling, I left at 12h00 and only got to the road at 13h54. We riders also managed to annoy a lot of motorists because the continuous stream of riders caused people trying to get into and out of the Irene Saturday market at Smuts House to queue for long periods. I witnessed a very nasty exchange between a motorist and the marshals. Somebody is going to get hurt soon because of this deficient aspect of the event organisation.

 

At the previous Bundu Bash - the same thing, 90 minutes to get out of that venue after riding the half marathon road race (supposedly an mtb event but really a road race on dirt).  

 

For all their superb race organisation skills, it seems to me that Fritz and Francois need a guiding hand with planning traffic movement. Anybody specialists out there who could volunteer their knowledge? It will help us all.

stop moaning or dont come to the events I say

[Skylark]

stop moaning or dont come to the events I say

And there you have it, logical hubstyle encouragement to man up!!

 

But seriously 2hrs to drive out of the parking area is a sign of a serious lack of foresight on the part of the race organizers. That's just ridiculous, we ride for the sense of freedom, now to enjoy that freedom with others at an event you need to be confined in a little stationery metal box for 2hrs while exiting the venue?

[Chris NewbyFraser]

stop moaning or dont come to the events I say

I understand your view, been there etc but I must ask you to consider the wider implications. Where I was getting into the queue, there were 7 lines of traffic trying to get into one. Tempers became frayed and there was a fair bit of anger, hooting and queue squeezing (at one point we stayed stationary for 25 minutes). Two 4x4's drove off the field, over a lawn and through a flower bed. How will the college management feel about this behavior? It could cause them to less enthusiastic about hosting the event. In my view this was a poor end to a wonderful morning and is is not where our events need to go. Improving traffic flow will enhance the sport, not give it a negative.

Similarly with the traffic jam at the market. The traffic authorities could in future be more demanding with race organisers regarding road crossings, again to our detriment.

[johanpre44]

I take it as it comes, expecting traffic (out on the trails and also when leaving the venue). Traffic arriving at the venue was very good, no real queues. I also parked on the cricket field righ above the start.

 

What I would like the organizers to do is to maybe have suggested parking spots that is a couple of km away from the venue, I don't have a problem cycling to/from the venue if its not too far and will help me get back home quicker.

[BarHugger]

........and while we are at it maybe also a wash bay service for vehicles. Arrived the morning with a clean vehicle, found parking close to the start, did the marathon, was out of there before 11:00, no traffic problems......but my vehicle looked liked it survived a dust storm in Bloemfontein. Maybe I must plan ahead next time and bring one of those full vehicle covers along.

[BarHugger]

I take it as it comes, expecting traffic (out on the trails and also when leaving the venue). Traffic arriving at the venue was very good, no real queues. I also parked on the cricket field righ above the start.

 

What I would like the organizers to do is to maybe have suggested parking spots that is a couple of km away from the venue, I don't have a problem cycling to/from the venue if its not too far and will help me get back home quicker.

........mmmmmm, yes.......Irene Mall comes to mind, but then you will have to pay for your parking.

[Joeboy69]

Pity it was same day as the Irene Market. Nelmapius drive struggles with traffic even if it is just one event at a time.

[River Rat]

stop moaning or dont come to the events I say

You are absolutely right and that's why I did not do the event. I am sure they missed me!

[Heel Drop]

And there you have it, logical hubstyle encouragement to man up!!

 

But seriously 2hrs to drive out of the parking area is a sign of a serious lack of foresight on the part of the race organizers. That's just ridiculous, we ride for the sense of freedom, now to enjoy that freedom with others at an event you need to be confined in a little stationery metal box for 2hrs while exiting the venue?

That stop down under the bridge is part of the problem I think , its caused issues for a long time now and probably need a traffic light. I dont think it was obvious that there could be traffic issues to the organizers unless its been a problem in the past then I guess they have no excuse

[Heel Drop]

You are absolutely right and that's why I did not do the event. I am sure they missed me!

I did not

[Heel Drop]

I rode my bike to the event and back - lekker base training for next year - did 111km including the race

[CleatsnCleavage]

It took us one hour and 40 minutes to get out of Cornwall College, it really was not very pleasant wasting my very limited time with my boyfriend trapped in a car. We just needed a traffic officer at the robot stopping traffic to let more people out of the school at once. Really frustrating and ruined an otherwise good race. 

[Heel Drop]

It took us one hour and 40 minutes to get out of Cornwall College, it really was not very pleasant wasting my very limited time with my boyfriend trapped in a car. We just needed a traffic officer at the robot stopping traffic to let more people out of the school at once. Really frustrating and ruined an otherwise good race. 

so are you complaining because you were trapped with your boyfriend in the car for 1hour 40 minutes ? Are you thinking of getting married

[CogitoErgoSum]

One reason I decide not to do the bigger events. Access control is a major concern with big events, irrespective if it is a music or sport event. Last year at a spring music festival at bundu inn, north west if pta, 7 cars burned out. If medical/rescue services can't get in or out it becomes a matter of life. A lot more than just "man up or shut up"

[Heel Drop]

........mmmmmm, yes.......Irene Mall comes to mind, but then you will have to pay for your parking.

At least there are options and I am sure Frizt will take note and make the required changes