Riding at Suikerbosrand?

[GemmerKat]

I just came back from a ride at SBR. Each time I go there I see more and more riders going the wrong way round. Today there were a few more. As I started my descent I had a lady really struggling up the hill going the wrong way. I decided that she doesn't look like a rider that would tackle that alone and immediately slowed down. Lo and behold - on the most challenging corner the second lady was standing right in the apex. If I came down at my normal speed we would both have been in trouble. Obviously there was no chance to stop and educate. Any solution to this growing problem?

 

I wonder how many inexperienced cyclists underestimate the SBR route and try to bail by going the wrong way? If that is the case rather get a backup car for safety.

[Patchelicious]

I wonder how many inexperienced cyclists underestimate the SBR route and try to bail by going the wrong way? If that is the case rather get a backup car for safety.

I agree, a fair amount seem to be people who turn back. But number of the guys that I have had "discussions" with were actually elite riders, who weren't doing it by mistake.

[DC-Diesel]

That does sound like a fairly serious issue. Especially the descents after "shark tooth". Clear markings, etc. Does the elevation profile change significantly enough to warrant it? I doubt that very much.

[Grey Hubs]

Riding up that descent is just irresponsible, full stop!

 

Perhaps the chaps in the know can engage with the authorities to put up no-entry signage and more information signage at the entrance regarding distance etc....

 

We don't need any more people falling at this section. The next step for authorities will be to introduce speed reduction measures...that would be really sad!!!

[Honkdonk]

You cant 'speed reduce' bikes and patrol/control it. There just needs to be clear 'one way signage' as well as some 'danger, off camber bend' type boards erected

 

Also a good few boards with an emergency help line number would work.

 

Never mind 'Kudu/Meerkat crossing'

[Jurgens Smit]

Riding up that descent is just irresponsible, full stop!

 

Perhaps the chaps in the know can engage with the authorities to put up no-entry signage and more information signage at the entrance regarding distance etc....

 

We don't need any more people falling at this section. The next step for authorities will be to introduce speed reduction measures...that would be really sad!!!

 

There is a massive no entry sign at the top of the first climb, yet people ignore that and go down there. Myself included once or twice before.

 

There should be stricter rules, but there isn't really a way to enforce them. The best we can do is try and educate people about the possible dangers and hope they listen.

[Big Phil]

was absolutely awesome out there today. Riding in the clouds with jhb below shrouded in morning fog.

 

and no wind whatsoever.

 

Signage with emergency numbers would be welcome if they have a response system. Had a crash there in Dec and waited two hours for a buddy to collect me.

 

Riders who passed me were requested to inform personnel at the second gate for assistance. None materialised. I would like to think the riders fulfilled my request,which would mean SBR staff were not too interested in assisting. I could be wrong though.

[Dexter-morgan]

Just remember its a Nature reserve and not exclusively for safe cycling, I know we maintain the place with our entry fees.

[Frosty]

The name I posted earlier is the name of the person that contacted my club and another (running) club to get "insight" into minimizing crashes.

 

Little has been done except for an information brochure that takes longer to read than driving/riding around the reserve. Since then, these information brochures have also been terminated.

 

My suggestion would be that everyone contacts Sibusiso by email (Sibusiso.Thusi@gauteng.gov.za) and express the same concerns:

 

* lack of clear signage at key points around the reserve (mostly before the descents);

 

* one way signs before the "intersections" and then "you're going the wrong way" signs after the turn;

 

* distance to go signs (at least every 10km);

 

Then, I dare not say "number boards" for all riders... the velominati/strava wankers might have a problem with it affecting their aero equipment.

 

 

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[Big Phil]

Just remember its a Nature reserve and not exclusively for safe cycling, I know we maintain the place with our entry fees.

Sorry but have to disagree with you. i dont expect SBR to make the reserve 'cycling safe' and i made no inference to that in my post. It is my responsibility to ensure i am safe while cycling. My expectation of them is to maintain the road which is coincidentally also used for cycling and to respond to emergencies regardless of whether the emergency stems from a cycling related incident or any other incident involving a paid entrant into the reserve.

 

Like you said cyclists are paying customers like anyone else.

 

Being a nature reserve does not exclude you from having emergency response procedures in place.

[Grey Hubs]

The name I posted earlier is the name of the person that contacted my club and another (running) club to get "insight" into minimizing crashes.

 

Little has been done except for an information brochure that takes longer to read than driving/riding around the reserve. Since then, these information brochures have also been terminated.

 

My suggestion would be that everyone contacts Sibusiso by email (Sibusiso.Thusi@gauteng.gov.za) and express the same concerns:

 

* lack of clear signage at key points around the reserve (mostly before the descents);

 

* one way signs before the "intersections" and then "you're going the wrong way" signs after the turn;

 

* distance to go signs (at least every 10km);

 

Then, I dare not say "number boards" for all riders... the velominati/strava wankers might have a problem with it affecting their aero equipment.

 

 

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Done my bit and sent an email....with enough pressure, we might get some requests handled...

[Frosty]

Done my bit and sent an email....with enough pressure, we might get some requests handled...

 

Unfortunately, Sibusiso isn't the decision maker, but he is the contact person.

 

Let's hope he receives a suitable number of emails from concerned cyclists, and gets his boss to agree.

 

The contact with my club came after a cyclist passed away while cycling in the reserve (the cause unknown).

[Big Phil]

Done my bit and sent an email....with enough pressure, we might get some requests handled...

 

Done my bit too and sent a mail. My mail covered emergency contact numbers and the response to emergencies, and signage about the one-ways. Nothing revolutionary, impossible or costly to implement and one day may save someone's life.   

[F.K]

The management wants the cyclists out so now we are only strengthening there case 

Edited May 2, 2017 by F.K

[Honkdonk]

Where do you get that intel from?

 

That would be a very sad day if that is the case.

[TALUS]

The management wants the cyclists out so now we are only strengthening there case

 

Is this really true? What on earth do they hope to gain from that?