Responsible Cyclist Pledge

[BDF]

So far, from the 38 votes cast, 90% want to be "lekker". This substantiates claims made that 90% of the cyclists are "lekker". Small sample I know but at least it's a start.

 

Would be good to have made known to the general population out there that most cyclists are committed to being good, responsible road users.

[Dieter ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

A rogue rider being one who wanders off the demarcated trail? 

[BDF]

A rogue rider being one who wanders off the demarcated trail?

 

This to a degree but also riding on trails that are closed on the day and even worse, riding on private property without permission.

[openmind]

Replace "wear a helmet" with "be safe". Believe it or not, being safe is more than just wearing a helmet. Often, it is stuff other than wearing a helmet. 

[Patchelicious]

Here is the list that I have compiled from feedback as to thing that WE can do to be better cyclists.

 

Any further suggestions?

 

• “Don’t ride on private property without permission.”
• “Treat other road and trail users with respect, dignity and courtesy.”
• “Cool roadies obey the rules of the road.”
• “Dont be a litter bug! SIES”
• “Always pay your trail entry fees.”
• “Don’t be a rogue rider!”
• “Always wear a helmet”
• “Hand signals are awesome, and save lives”
• “Show respect for Marshals, Referees and officials during organised events”
• “Remember to thank motorists for their patience”
• “Try not to block traffic”
• “STOP at red lights!!”
• “Always try and be a friendly cyclist”

[BDF]

Replace "wear a helmet" with "be safe". Believe it or not, being safe is more than just wearing a helmet. Often, it is stuff other than wearing a helmet. 

Good suggestion but I would rather add "Be Safe" than replace the helmet clause.

[BDF]

 

Here is the list that I have compiled from feedback as to thing that WE can do to be better cyclists.

 

Any further suggestions?

 

• “Don’t ride on private property without permission.”
• “Treat other road and trail users with respect, dignity and courtesy.”
• “Cool roadies obey the rules of the road.”
• “Dont be a litter bug! SIES”
• “Always pay your trail entry fees.”
• “Don’t be a rogue rider!”
• “Always wear a helmet”
• “Hand signals are awesome, and save lives”
• “Show respect for Marshals, Referees and officials during organised events”
• “Remember to thank motorists for their patience”
• “Try not to block traffic”
• “STOP at red lights!!”
• “Always try and be a friendly cyclist”

 

Good list Patch.

 

"Be safe" should somehow also be incorporated in there it think.

[BDF]

Without wanting to embarrass or put people on the spot, it would be nice to know the reasons the 5 "NO" votes were cast...

[BDF]

What we do need to acknowledge is that cycling is inherently a more dangerous sport than for instance chess, walking or even running. As such we accept that there are certain risks about it that we willing to accept. We may bump and fall in a sprint finish in a race, we may run out of skill on a decent, we may suffer a blowout going round a corner etc etc. We obviously need to be wise and mitigate these risks as best we can. This we do by wearing helmets, not being dwisse, regular bike inspections, good maintenance, other protective clothing etc. 

 

i am not proposing that we go around like "Driving Miss Daisy".

[Patchelicious]

Without wanting to embarrass or put people on the spot, it would be nice to know the reasons the 5 "NO" votes were cast...

 

[Pure Savage]

 

Here is the list that I have compiled from feedback as to thing that WE can do to be better cyclists.

 

Any further suggestions?

 

• “Don’t ride on private property without permission.” Um what roads are private?
• “Treat other road and trail users with respect, dignity and courtesy.” Um why would a road bike be on a trail
• “Cool roadies obey the rules of the road.” When there are cars around
• “Dont be a litter bug! SIES” fair
• “Always pay your trail entry fees.” This is Cape Town, no SANRAL here, not even on Chappies do we pay.
• “Don’t be a rogue rider!” I will ride the N1 if I want if its not a freeway.
• “Always wear a helmet” Duh
• “Hand signals are awesome, and save lives” 
• “Show respect for Marshals, Referees and officials during organised events”  Fair
• “Remember to thank motorists for their patience and sparing your life this time” 
• “STOP at red lights!!” If there are cars around.
• “Always try and be a friendly cyclist” STRAVA

 

 

 

Updated for Cape Town Roadies.

[Eldron]

Rules. I hate rules. Nobody needs rules.

 

Ask yourself " how would I like to be treated when I'm on the road" then ride/drive/act like that.

[Patchelicious]

Rules. I hate rules. Nobody needs rules.

 

Ask yourself " how would I like to be treated when I'm on the road" then ride/drive/act like that.

Thats a good one, will add it.

[openmind]

Good suggestion but I would rather add "Be Safe" than replace the helmet clause.

Why? Far too many cyclists put on a helmet and then think (maybe even just subconsciously) "right, I'm safe, let's go".

 

A helmet does almost nothing to keep you safe. You need to rely *first* on other things like riding within your skill level, awareness of your surroundings, visibility, clear communication with other road users, the list goes on. Only after ALL of that, does the helmet help to make you a little bit more safe. 

 

"No helmet no ride" is probably one of the worst cycling safety slogans ever developed. It automatically negates all other safety mechanisms and instantly absolves all road users (cyclists and non-cyclists) of responsibility for safety. If you weren't wearing a helmet, it's your fault.

[BDF]

Why? Far too many cyclists put on a helmet and then think (maybe even just subconsciously) "right, I'm safe, let's go".

 

A helmet does almost nothing to keep you safe. You need to rely *first* on other things like riding within your skill level, awareness of your surroundings, visibility, clear communication with other road users, the list goes on. Only after ALL of that, does the helmet help to make you a little bit more safe. 

 

"No helmet no ride" is probably one of the worst cycling safety slogans ever developed. It automatically negates all other safety mechanisms and instantly absolves all road users (cyclists and non-cyclists) of responsibility for safety. If you weren't wearing a helmet, it's your fault.

Hence the need to add and not replace. Riding safely does not necessarily equate to donning a helmet. A helmet is not meant to keep you safe but to mitigate the chance of injury in the event that you fall or get hit by a car and go through  windshield or (add your own examples...)

If you are saying that it does not mitigate the risk of injury you are sadly mistaken. Been there, done that. My helmet has saved my pip on more than one occasion.

[Patchelicious]

Why? Far too many cyclists put on a helmet and then think (maybe even just subconsciously) "right, I'm safe, let's go".

 

A helmet does almost nothing to keep you safe. You need to rely *first* on other things like riding within your skill level, awareness of your surroundings, visibility, clear communication with other road users, the list goes on. Only after ALL of that, does the helmet help to make you a little bit more safe. 

 

"No helmet no ride" is probably one of the worst cycling safety slogans ever developed. It automatically negates all other safety mechanisms and instantly absolves all road users (cyclists and non-cyclists) of responsibility for safety. If you weren't wearing a helmet, it's your fault.

Erm no. Helmets do help.

 

Whether you believe that helmets save lives or not, it is a rule.

Cyclists who do not respect rules contribute to our terrible public image.

 

This is unfortunately the reality of the world, right or wrong, we need to do what we can do win over public opinion right now.