Roadies on Cedar Road Narrow Lanes

[PygaSchmyga]

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!!

smile and wave tm ©

[Honkdonk]

Big bunches and club rides are one thing, but its me and many other lone riders and small groups that cant and shouldn't use this section of the route until its complete. Its ok going out at 6am but coming back 3/4 hours later is pretty risky. Rather be safe than sorry I say. Plus the fact that my training takes place during the week at the moment

 

I just travel a bit further down Malibongwe to that little centre on the left with a Total garage and Spar. Park there and head on out to the Cradle and do the required. 

 

When Cedar will be complete (March next year) it will have a dedicated lane in both directions. 

[Fat Boab]

Big bunches and club rides are one thing, but its me and many other lone riders and small groups that cant and shouldn't use this section of the route until its complete. Its ok going out at 6am but coming back 3/4 hours later is pretty risky. Rather be safe than sorry I say. Plus the fact that my training takes place during the week at the moment

 

I just travel a bit further down Malibongwe to that little centre on the left with a Total garage and Spar. Park there and head on out to the Cradle and do the required. 

 

When Cedar will be complete (March next year) it will have a dedicated lane in both directions. 

 

So does this mean, fun and games on this road for the 94.7, I wonder?

[PygaSchmyga]

So does this mean, fun and games on this road for the 94.7, I wonder?

if by "fun and games" you have a George RR Martin type approach to cycling!!

[Fat Boab]

if by "fun and games" you have a George RR Martin type approach to cycling!!

 

I loved the Beatles too  .............

[WhuYu]

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.

........and you probably believe in the tooth fairy as well.........

[shaper]

Cycling out to the cradle early is not a problem, it is only the return journey.

 

nice thing is that they have done away with the lights at Broadacres shops which is now a 4 way stop so the traffic backs up and is at a standstill for most of the roadworks section back to Steyn City

 

That being said, i go out early on Cedar road and now come back via Malabongwe and Witkoppen

[jcza]

........and you probably believe in the tooth fairy as well.........

 

No I don't but I know how to stay alive on the bike 

[Patchelicious]

Cycling out to the cradle early is not a problem, it is only the return journey.

 

nice thing is that they have done away with the lights at Broadacres shops which is now a 4 way stop so the traffic backs up and is at a standstill for most of the roadworks section back to Steyn City

 

That being said, i go out early on Cedar road and now come back via Malabongwe and Witkoppen

Done this a few times now and seems ok.

 

Rode back via Cedar a few weekends ago and it was fun in a Russian Roulette kind of way....

[Dicky DQ]

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. 

Have not read the rest of the thread so commenting from the hip. As it should be. 

 

Cyclists are allowed on the road yes / no. If no, no contest. However if yes, they should ride in the middle of the lane (own the road) and not allow motorists to try and squeeze past. If this philosophy is adopted motorists have no option but to wait until the road is clear before passing.

 

I know in the SA context it seems counter intuitive, but it is the only way to try to enforce the rules of the road.

 

It seems to be working on CTN. the problem is if you keep left motorists think they can "Slip past" This should not be allowed.

[Dicky DQ]

Big bunches and club rides are one thing, but its me and many other lone riders and small groups that cant and shouldn't use this section of the route until its complete. Its ok going out at 6am but coming back 3/4 hours later is pretty risky. Rather be safe than sorry I say. Plus the fact that my training takes place during the week at the moment

 

I just travel a bit further down Malibongwe to that little centre on the left with a Total garage and Spar. Park there and head on out to the Cradle and do the required. 

 

When Cedar will be complete (March next year) it will have a dedicated lane in both directions. 

Try:

Riding in the middle of the lane

Showing you are aware of the vehicle behind you

Moving though as quickly as possible

Thanking the motorist as soon as you get through for their patience

 

You have no idea how safe it is while riding through that part and how much you acknowledgment of the trailing diver is and curt-icy after the fact does in general.  

[raptor-22]

So is the hub concensus to accept lawlessness?

[Patchelicious]

So is the hub concensus to accept lawlessness?

Huh? That escalated quickly,

[Honkdonk]

Try:

Riding in the middle of the lane

Showing you are aware of the vehicle behind you

Moving though as quickly as possible

Thanking the motorist as soon as you get through for their patience

 

You have no idea how safe it is while riding through that part and how much you acknowledgment of the trailing diver is and curt-icy after the fact does in general.  

I dont think you quite understand, with all due respect. Its madness out there at the best of times, with a single lane in either way, construction vehicles all over the place, taxis jockeying for position and the general northern jhb traffic it is very far from the idylic picture you paint of being aware, moving through and thanking all of those behind you.

 

I have tempted fate many times in my life and learnt through odd mistakes here and there that it just isn't worth the hassle. But thats just me

 

I would rather steer clear until its all done and complete

[GaryvdM]

So is the hub concensus to accept lawlessness?

 

Yes there is a law that cyclists my only ride in single file, and must keep to the left. It was also law that people of colour had to be indoors before 9pm. Just because a law exists, does no make it just, or logical, or for the best for everyone.

[Milosh]

I have tempted fate many times in my life and learnt through odd mistakes here and there that it just isn't worth the hassle. But thats just me

 

So .........You also backchat the wife ?