Please be considerate in the Cradle (and everywhere else)

[Long Wheel Base]

Why was that other thread deleted??

At one stage there was 2 threads about the same cradle incident. Maybe that's why. Seems like the one thread is still lurking.

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/163139-cradle-incident-know-this-cyclist/page-2

[Patchelicious]

Why was that other thread deleted??

It wasnt, it was just merged. My links broke, so I incorrectly assumed it was deleted.

[GaryvdM]

Something that I do in the Cradle, and I wish others would do to (but I'm not holding my breath) is if I'm riding in a small group (2 - 4), we do ride 2 abreast (It's nice to be able to chat) but I stay aware of whats behind, and if we are about to be overtaken, I get the group to go single. It's easy if it just a group of 2, cause I can just fall back my self, but with 3 or 4 it's a bit harder cause I need to persuade one of the other riders to comply.

 

Any way, I think this is important to do because It means while been overtaken or while overtaking, we don't end up 4/3 abreast.

[Jonesy]

Out of interest, is the general feeling that average Joe cyclist on average equipment and non-trendy apparel, just wanting to enjoy a ride, not welcome in the Cradle?? Even if said cyclist is quite respectful of other road users and road rules?

[Schnavel]

Out of interest, is the general feeling that average Joe cyclist on average equipment and non-trendy apparel, just wanting to enjoy a ride, not welcome in the Cradle?? Even if said cyclist is quite respectful of other road users and road rules?

I rode there this weekend and although there are lots of novice cyclists out at the moment training for 94.7, the majority of people are welcoming and polite - of course you always get some idiots.

 

You just have to try and predict what some of the novices will do as they are at times all over the road, but in general everyone keeps to the left, allowing you to overtake when it's safe to do so

[Patchelicious]

Out of interest, is the general feeling that average Joe cyclist on average equipment and non-trendy apparel, just wanting to enjoy a ride, not welcome in the Cradle?? Even if said cyclist is quite respectful of other road users and road rules?

Absolutely not! Respect and consideration trumps trendy kit and equipment any day of the week! I think that I can comfortably say that on behalf of all the people that I have ever ridden with.

[RocknRolla]

Out of interest, is the general feeling that average Joe cyclist on average equipment and non-trendy apparel, just wanting to enjoy a ride, not welcome in the Cradle?? Even if said cyclist is quite respectful of other road users and road rules?

There have been cases of riders spotted in the cradle on 30 year old equipment in baggy shorts and mismatched socks, they couldn't give a toss about what other riders think.

As long as one obey the rules of the road.

[Bonus]

I sometimes think cyclists are their own worst enemies.

[walkerr]

 

I agree with the sentiment of the OP, but would like to point out one problem. Where cycle lanes are provided, cyclists may not cycle in the remaining portion of the road. So cycling abreast is also then not practical, as it leave no room to overtake. See rule 7.

Rules of the Road & Riding on pedal cycles

 

Reg 311.

 

(1)        No person shall ride a pedal cycle on a public road unless he or she is seated astride on the saddle of such pedal cycle.

 

(2)        Persons riding pedal cycles on a public road shall ride in single file except in the course of overtaking another pedal cycle, and two or more persons riding pedal cycles shall not overtake another vehicle at the same time.

 

(3)        No person riding or seated on a pedal cycle on a public road shall take hold of any other vehicle in motion.

 

(4)        No person riding a pedal cycle on a public road shall deliberately cause such pedal cycle to swerve from side to side.

 

(5)        No person riding a pedal cycle on a public road shall carry thereon any person, animal or object which obstructs his or her view or which prevents him or her from exercising complete control over the movements of such pedal cycle.

 

(6)        A person riding a pedal cycle on a public road shall do so with at least one hand on the handle bars of such pedal cycle.

 

(7)        Whenever a portion of a public road has been set aside for use by persons riding pedal cycles, no person shall ride a pedal cycle on any other portion of such road

 

 

Def very good to know the rules we all need to follow. One comment though (and I am not a lawyer) - but I don't believe the yellow lane is considered a cycle lane under the law. Cycle lanes have designated markings (usually a blue circle with a white bike in it, or a bike painted on the road). There is some part of the road act that does mention things like the shoulder, verge etc. I think the yellow lane is termed as the shoulder.

 

On a practical note - if there's room in the yellow lane to ride 2-up, I don't personally see any reason not too if you're in a group. Long as you keep aware of faster groups behind and single file to let them through if needed.

 

Of course the Don't be *** part is the most practical of all!

 

And I def agree with the OP part about thanking drivers who do give you room and consideration - takes zero time to do, and recognises those who look out for us.

[Loose cog]

Care. A large portion of the roads in the cradle do not have a cycle lane (identified by the broken yellow lines) although the roads generally have a wide shoulder and well marked emergency lane. The law also states that no unauthorised vehicle (bicycles included) may use the emergency lane.

 

I realise it's Souf Africa and laws are interpreted and applied inconsistently hence the overall lack of confusion now evident.

 

Take care out there, life is precious. At least to your loved ones.

[GaryvdM]

Def very good to know the rules we all need to follow. One comment though (and I am not a lawyer) - but I don't believe the yellow lane is considered a cycle lane under the law. Cycle lanes have designated markings (usually a blue circle with a white bike in it, or a bike painted on the road). There is some part of the road act that does mention things like the shoulder, verge etc. I think the yellow lane is termed as the shoulder.

 

 

One of my oops on the hub was I zealously argued that the lanes were not cycle lanes, but rather emergency lanes, because I had only noticed these signs, which are merely warning signs:

https://www.google.co.za/maps/@-25.9386821,27.8810929,3a,75y,325.09h,71.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAdsdL4L56ZOwRRJE630z7Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

 

 

only to notice these signs on the next ride which do designate the lane as a cycle lane:  https://www.google.co.za/maps/@-25.9369742,27.8815925,3a,75y,355.93h,66.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjhlj8h8mZWCOMhKDzEjCEQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

 

 

So yhea, technically cyclists break the law when they ride out of the cycle lane. Did anyone mention this bit of the law sucks.

[walkerr]

 

So yhea, technically cyclists break the law when they ride out of the cycle lane. Did anyone mention this bit of the law sucks.

 

Totally!

[mikeking]

Def very good to know the rules we all need to follow. One comment though (and I am not a lawyer) - but I don't believe the yellow lane is considered a cycle lane under the law. Cycle lanes have designated markings (usually a blue circle with a white bike in it, or a bike painted on the road). There is some part of the road act that does mention things like the shoulder, verge etc. I think the yellow lane is termed as the shoulder.

 

On a practical note - if there's room in the yellow lane to ride 2-up, I don't personally see any reason not too if you're in a group. Long as you keep aware of faster groups behind and single file to let them through if needed.

 

Of course the Don't be *** part is the most practical of all!

 

And I def agree with the OP part about thanking drivers who do give you room and consideration - takes zero time to do, and recognises those who look out for us.

Hi, I have just checked on Google earth, the lane starting at the first circle as I enter from the R512 is definitely marked with the blue sign designating it as a cycle lane.

[Patchelicious]

This is a good piece, please go read it. If you are on Twitter, maybe RT it too.

 

https://twitter.com/CyclingDirectSA/status/780437426380627968

[walkerr]

This is a good piece, please go read it. If you are on Twitter, maybe RT it too.

 

https://twitter.com/CyclingDirectSA/status/780437426380627968

 

Agreed - good piece, even if it does sum-up a rather sorry state of affairs! Thanks for sharing

[LOOK695]

If you have a passenger, take pics of the guys and come post it here.

 

I will be riding with a GoPro this weekend for exactly this reason.

 

Not to name and shame, but rather to illustrate what we shouldnt be doing.

Not much to complain about. No problems with cyclists. Had one lady clearly pointing with her arm that she wanted to cross over from the right hand sight to left at a crossing, gave her the space, she waved thank you and I hooted "pleasure"????

 

Seemed that there was some race going on? Only had this group to "content" with, but it was no real problem

 

Only real danger was what looked like a race marshal in a red Toyota conquest with orange light stopping in the road over a blind rise next to some cyclists standing next to the road. Could have been dangerous, had to brake pretty hard: had cars in front of me who also had to brake hard.