Roadies on Cedar Road Narrow Lanes

[PygaSchmyga]

A lot of Joburg riding clubs set out from 4-ways and surrounds heading out to the cradle on weekends, riding along Cedar road.  Lots of riders habitually also use this route.

 

The extent of the roadworks, especially along Dainfern and where the road has been significantly narrowed on both sides with concrete barriers makes cycling along this stretch suicidal, in my view.  I drove out that way on Saturday, and the traffic was very busy.  Now you put bunches of bikes into the mix, and it becomes a Deathrace 5000 scenario.  There is absolutely no way for cars to pass if there is oncoming traffic, and with the usual Joburg uptight driving nutters, I think it is just foolish to insist to ride this section during the roadworks. 

 

I think riders need to have a big gulp of common sense and avoid this section of road, even if it had been a traditional riding route, or risk serious injury or death.  We need to contribute to our own survival and reduction in road rage by avoiding obvious areas of potential danger and conflict, and I think that any riding clubs that still use this route should rethink their safety plans in the interest of their members. 

[J∆kk∆ls]

Agreed. 

 

Helen Suzman (Cape Town) is not cycling friendly. There is no shoulder hence the no cycling sign. 

[IceCreamMan]

Have to agree with the sentiment, Cedar road is a no go area at this point. I cringe when I drive along there.

[jcza]

Wait a minute or 3 until it is safe to overtake, same as you would with any other vehicle on the road.

 

Don't squeeze the cyclist into the concrete barrier.

Leave home a couple of minutes earlier.

Be patient.

[PygaSchmyga]

Wait a minute or 3 until it is safe to overtake, same as you would with any other vehicle on the road.

 

Don't squeeze the cyclist into the concrete barrier.

Leave home a couple of minutes earlier.

Be patient.

the problem is that there is so much traffic that the 3 minutes becomes 15, 20 or more.  And while you and I drive this way, unfortunately our fellow road users don't.  I maintain that it is just nuts to insist to ride along this piece of road

[FlyingScot]

Agree with the OP...went on this route a few months ago and have decided to cycle elsewhere until the roadworks are complete.  

[Paul Ruinaard]

Agreed. 

 

I think its insanity to ride there.

 

I keep saying to my wife that it is only a matter of time before there is a death of a cyclist when he is hit from behind.

 

Remember this is a major route from Diepsloot and Hartebeespoort area.

 

Very busy.

 

Thing is though unless you MTB there is not anther way in to the cradle except around via Cosmo City which is also very dodgy with all the taxi's

[Fat Boab]

I have to agree, that bit of road is crazy at the moment. No need to tempt fate....

 

 For the sake of an extra 15-20 mins you could drive out to the Cradle, the direction one would be cycling towards, and park at the various venues who offer parking.

 

Off-topic - I hope they finish that section of road in time for 947......

[GaryvdM]

Wait a minute or 3 until it is safe to overtake, same as you would with any other vehicle on the road.

 

Don't squeeze the cyclist into the concrete barrier.

Leave home a couple of minutes earlier.

Be patient.

I agree that this is how people should drive, but the problem is that the are some people that don't. Hence it's probably wise for clubs to try find a alternative route till the road works are done.

[IceCreamMan]

Wait a minute or 3 until it is safe to overtake, same as you would with any other vehicle on the road.

 

Don't squeeze the cyclist into the concrete barrier.

Leave home a couple of minutes earlier.

Be patient.

back in the real world......

[Milosh]

In fairness , it is hard to drive a car any bigger than small sedan there with on coming trucks.

 

So if it is dangerous for cars we as cyclist should skip it.

 

Good news is that I believe there is a cyclist lane planned

[jcza]

I've been on that stretch a couple of times recently and find that coming back to Fourways the cars are hardly moving. Bicycle is much quicker. 

 

As for the Cosmo City stretch to cradle. Tried that and its actually not bad, taxis and all. 

[GaryvdM]

Good news is that I believe there is a cyclist lane planned

 

That's awesome! Any more info would be appreciated.

[Odinson]

Wait a minute or 3 until it is safe to overtake, same as you would with any other vehicle on the road.

 

Don't squeeze the cyclist into the concrete barrier.

Leave home a couple of minutes earlier.

Be patient.

 

You expect common sense and balanced reasoning from Joburg drivers?!

[Spirog]

I ride and marshal most Saturdays with Cycle Lab. We have taken a decision to slow down at the top of Dainfern hill and then ride as a tight bunch, filling the entire road. We act as a slow moving vehicle to prevent cars overtaking us on this short stretch. The marshal at the rear just indicates to the car behinf to slow down and relax. It take just a couple of minutes and we are past the stretch where there are roadworks.

 

As a club, we took a decision to stay safe by preventing overtaking vehicles from forcing us into the concrete barriers. So far, it seems to work well with no aggressive responses from the drivers behind us. It's amazing what can be achieved with a wave and a smile!!

[Wez-O]

Wait a minute or 3 until it is safe to overtake, same as you would with any other vehicle on the road.

 

Don't squeeze the cyclist into the concrete barrier.

Leave home a couple of minutes earlier.

Be patient.

If only South African drivers knew this law of the road...