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"Highway/Freeway" commuting safe?


Migueloliv

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Posted

Thanks a lot guys, i wouldn't do it if it wasn't safe

 

I didn't notice the R42 at the time. Isn't that the road that passes through Vereeniging? There are a couple of stop lights through the city, not that i mind stop lights but if i stop isn't there a chance i could get hijacked or my bike stolen? I never commuted in SA before sorry if the questions seem foolish for a south african born person.

Thanks in advance for help and your answers are appreciated [emoji106]

Miguel

There is a chance of getting hijacked any where, this is SA, unfortunately.

 

The R42 does pass through V-town and yes there are robots (traffic lights). Lots of businesses in the main road.

Posted

I often see commuter fellows riding the M3 in die Kaap.

 

I used to get really upset with them, but now I'm starting to think that they're the clever ones.

 

Besides the legal aspect of it, I'm no longer convinced it's any more risky than riding through the burbs.

 

I think you're actually less likely to be bumped by a car on that particular freeway. Of course, if you are, you'll be dead. But...

 

I still get grumpy when I see recreational cyclists doing the same. Can't explain why.

Posted

Welcome dude! Where are you originally from Miguel? The highway code may allow cyclists in that country to ride on the verge, but in South Africa it is illegal and you will be asked to move off the freeway. More importantly the driving style of many of the road users here in South Africa is nothing like there and most of the heavy vehicle drivers use the verge for no apparent reason and are typically not the types to worry about the safety of other road users. As a cyclist facing this type of situation you have less than no chance and it's not a question of if you will encounter an incident but rather a case of when!

 

Do the right thing for this scenario and stay off the highway irrespective of how appealing it may seem to be there!

 

Hey man, i'm from Macau, China. I go to SA in winter time (June July) around once a year. Here we have no highways, and hell no drivers here are better. Crazy here, 10x worst than SA. I know it is illegal to drive in highways, I just wanted to know consequences. Like i mentioned in my second post, I don't mind using the R42 I just want to know whether i will get my bike stolen or will i get "hijacked" when i stop at red lights in Vereeniging since the road passes through the city.

 

Thanks a lot for the info mate! really appreciated!

 

Miguel

Posted

There is a chance of getting hijacked any where, this is SA, unfortunately.

 

The R42 does pass through V-town and yes there are robots (traffic lights). Lots of businesses in the main road.

 

Since there are businesses there will be more people. With the high amounts of people on sidewalks would this decrease the likelyhood of getting highjacked or would people not care to help and go on with their day?

 

Thanks a lot dude! Your answer is really appreciated!

 

Miguel

Posted

I would use this route.

 

https://www.google.co.za/maps/dir/-26.6993077,27.8786379/-26.6856196,27.9046875/-26.6799558,27.91723/-26.6481624,27.9243539/-26.6434061,27.9538367/-26.6252113,27.9626387/@-26.670434,27.9179209,14z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0

 

 

There is a "hijacking group" going around the town centre there robbing cars of valuables at robots. I wouldn't count on people helping. Obviously get some lights and a ICE id bracelet just incase.

Posted

I would use this route.

 

https://www.google.co.za/maps/dir/-26.6993077,27.8786379/-26.6856196,27.9046875/-26.6799558,27.91723/-26.6481624,27.9243539/-26.6434061,27.9538367/-26.6252113,27.9626387/@-26.670434,27.9179209,14z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0

 

 

There is a "hijacking group" going around the town centre there robbing cars of valuables at robots. I wouldn't count on people helping. Obviously get some lights and a ICE id bracelet just incase.

 

Thanks, i will take a look at the ICE id bracelet. Would joining the R42/R82 be safe after passing vereeniging?

Posted

Thanks, i will take a look at the ICE id bracelet. Would joining the R42/R82 be safe after passing vereeniging?

Should be. No guarantees . Town centre is the problem.

Posted

Thanks, i will take a look at the ICE id bracelet. Would joining the R42/R82 be safe after passing vereeniging?

 

I've never travelled via the route so can't give advice on it, however the only way to be sure is to try it yourself...

Posted

I will soon need to commute, I want to know if commuting through the R59 is safe. The area of the R59 i'm planning to commute is not close to Joburg therefore traffic is not that harsh. If the police see me on a road bike on the freeway will they stop me? Will i just be told to get off the highway or any severe punishments? The reason i have the need to commute through the R59 is that it is the fastest and most direct route to my destination. From a documentary i heard Chris Froome traveled through some highways in his teen days.

 

Thanks in advance for help and your answers are appreciated  :thumbup:

 

Miguel

 

OMGosh...I heard CF did it in his teen days.....

 

Are you allowed to ride there or not?

yes or no, easy to decide.

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