PPA warns cyclists not to use Paarden Island cycle lane after latest attack

[joevan]

Firstly; We are indeed very fortunate to have such an extended, well maintained cycle path system in Cape Town. Cyclists in other cities have no idea how lucky we are. I often try and cycle on the green paths in Sandton and it's completely useless. So kudos to the City of Cape Town.

 

Secondly; Routing the cycling lane along the bus route makes logical sense from many different angles. Land ownership, no traffic, etc.

 

Thirdly; As posted above, it's only a small section that's problematic. But it is a big problem. And likely there is no short term solution. I've seen attempts at patrolling the section under discussion but the resource requirements to do it properly will make it very expensive.

 

For me, as above, an immediate solution is to re-open the harbour like it used to be.

 

Failing that, it's not a huge project to construct a path on the outside of the harbour fence, where the single track currently runs. I often cycle it in or out of town (MTB) and it's safe with more than enough space. The Woodstock off-ramp is the only danger point you need to cross.

 

I typically cycle into town with the cycle path as there are enough other cyclists early on a weekend. But coming back I always do the N1 to Marine Drive.

 

On Sunday morning the cops pulled me over on this section stating I'm not allowed on the highway. Had to get off.

 

If more and more cyclists are going to use this road, I can see the dollar signs in a few cop eyes, fining cyclists on this section.

 

Anyone knows where the N1 formally starts, coming out of Cape Town? I rode it twice on Monday on my motorbike and there are no signs posted.

As far as I know the "Freeway" only starts at the Koeburg interchange and there are signs posted at the bridge. From there into town is not highway, hence the reduction on speed limit as well. Be interesting to get some opinion on this. Also rode the cycle track into town on Sunday Morning and was shocked by the amount of "homeless" people occupying this area. Does not feel safe riding that area at all as incidents prove!

[Hairy]

What about installing Camera's on that section?

It works in the other hotspots in the city, why will it not work here?

Even though they might not prevent the mugging, recording it can assist Law Enforcement in their investigation, re. Identification of suspects, etc.

Want to know something funny ..... there are camera's on this section!

[Wannabe]

Want to know something funny ..... there are camera's on this section!

 

Well, blow me over......

What more can be done then? (except expecting someone to do his work properly)

[cfcjim]

I've obviously been very lucky or they simply deem me not worthy.

 

I generally go through there very early (0430-0530). I do worry a little on my way back as it's usually around the 1500 mark and it can be a touch lonely.

 

A while ago there were cops and security pretty much every day.

 

It's a real shame and I hope something can be done.

[Chavo]

Can't help but have this song in my head when I cycle through the area now...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK0P1Bk8Cx4

 

Edit: Clearly don't know how to embed a video

Edited December 1, 2016 by The_Chav

[Chavo]

Something I am kind of interested in, is knowing if those who have been mugged have primarily been on road bikes. I don't have much to go on, but those incidents that I have read about have primarily been of people on road bikes (and by the sounds of it, sometimes lekker race sleds).

 

Do the muggers have lookouts who spot people on road bikes and then alert their cronies further down the path to this? Do people on older mtbs and dedicated commuters "get lucky" because they actually are riding something with perceived low value?

 

Not that knowing this would solve anything, but I think it interesting nonetheless.

[dimsum]

I commute often, with hairy and the crew... 

 

I've often cycled the lane solo before joining hairy and his crew and I've been fine, luckily. 

 

That section is dodgey though, and I've seen a few incidents take place.

 

I don't think that closing the lane down is a viable solution. As Hairy said. We use the lane everyday and rely on it to get to work and home again.

 

I for one, am going to continue using the lane. I've cycled along the n1 before and it's really not viable.... it's dangerous with the trucks driving insane speeds there. I would rather risk a mugging than getting knocked over by a truck.

[Icycling]

I have been riding in Cape Town for about 34 years when there were very few bike paths and currently I am wishing that the same was still the case. The City does not plan bike paths correctly and in most case leave cyclist worse off rather than better off. They seem to want to be able to say - wow look what we doing for cycling - but the reality is leaving cyclist worse off. Even the 1m meter law leave cyclist worse off considering the previous law which was never enforces was a vehicle overtakes in a separate lane. When they brought in the one meter law they then added that a vehicle may cross a solid barrier line while passing a cycling - what can I say only in Africa. The barrier line is their for a reason.

On one of my favorite training routes, new bike path are about to be opened and they are terrible - I have written letter to the city including PPA but nothing seems to be done. The new bike path on Firgrove way - Constantia although in my opinion in the correct place the surface is so bumpy - I don’t know why the put tar over it - I am a road biker.

Below some of my communication with the city - but yet nothing happens and PPA who probably should be offering way more advice on the road bike path seem more interested in MTB bike paths. I have left the email address as if other cyclist using these route are also concerned maybe write an email thus getting more cyclist voices heard. Please also see my email to PPA just below expressing this - PPA have been told about the problem and now the answer is don’t use the cycle path! Great solution by PPA for road cycling - NOT.

From: Peter <>
Subject: Cycle path and Roads Plumstead / Tokai / Lakeside / Muizenberg area - PPA
Date: 06 September 2016 at 7:50:45 PM SAST
To: robert@pedalpower.org.za,
Cc: Steve Hayward

Hi All
 
Andrew and I examined the various bike paths around Constantia, Kirstenhof and Lakeside this morning, so as to get an understanding of areas where improvements could be made and new facilities could be implemented as a recommendation to the CoCT.
 
Simultaneous to the site visits I received the mail below from the City, which raised a concern for me. Andrew will raise this at a meeting with the CoCT on Thursday.
 
The general motorist accepts when there is a bike path that all cyclist should be using it. When I receive a communication "We accept that professional cyclists (sport cyclists) will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance", this sends a red flag to me – as many motorists are aggravated by cyclists in the vehicle lane next to them when a separate facility is parallel.
 
Robert, you mentioned to me that one committee member is active in the advocacy for bike paths, which is great. Quote from email from Robert 29th August  "The City has asked for a Cycling Strategy and one of our Exco members was part of that project and has submitted the first part to the City." My view is that this needs to be explored further, as in many instances segregated facilities are not the answer – rather it is one of keeping the flow as normal as possible so as to not interrupt the direction and speed of both cyclists and motorists. What is needed is signage, and a facility that can be seen and respected by the motorists – but that does not diminish from the levels of quality that cyclists now enjoy. My fear is that segregated facilities worsen the flow of cycling traffic.
 
I would be greatly encouraged if PPA can apportion more of its considerable budget to ensuring road safety and giving more time and effort to aspects governing road cycling. Whilst I can respect the need for efforts to look after MTB trails, PPA was born out of a road cycling event, with the ambition to create safer and more user-friendly routes for road cyclists (sport and commuter) and this has, to a large extent, been lost. Is it possible that PPA could reassign a staff member (or strengthen the support of an existing one) to put more time and value to addressing the road issue? This would be most appreciated.
 
Andrew and I hope that the specific guidelines and focus areas will bring about an intervention that addresses the facilities in the southern peninsula, including cycle paths currently under construction on Firgrove and Tokai roads to ensure that they are suitable for all cyclists. The City is demonstrating a commitment to spend money on cycle paths - surely PPA should be there to assist that they spend it correctly?
 
Regards
 
Peter Wheeler

Dear Mr Fortuin,
 
With regards to this comment "We accept that professional cyclists will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance.” It is clear that the law does not allow for this. When a cycle lane exists, in whatever shape or form, the law is clear – it must then be used by cyclists.
 
This does create a problem in the event of the bike facility being less than adequate – surface quality, non-maintenance, or other design imperfections currently noticed on the Kendal road bike path.
 
More information can be found at:
 
http://www.bicyclecapetown.org/bike-law/rules-of-the-road/
 
 
"Duties of cyclists
3. (1) A cyclist riding on a public road must—
(a) if the road has a pedal cycle lane, ride only in the pedal cycle lane and may not ride on any other portion of a public road except when crossing the road; or”
 
Regards
 
Peter Wheeler
 
On 06 Sep 2016, at 11:48 AM, Brendon Fortuin <Brendon.Fortuin@capetown.gov.za> wrote:

Dear Mr Wheeler
 
I have copied in the depot manager for this area to assist you.
 
Wrt to the NMT along Kendal Road, as this is an off road facility it is accepted that the use will mainly be for commuter and recreational purposes with a yield to vehicles at all intersections signalised or not. We accept that professional cyclists will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance.
 
Regards
 
Brendon Fortuin Pr Tech Eng
District Manager : Plumstead (South)
Infrastructure and Plant Maintenance
 
2nd Floor, Municipal Office
No. 3 Victoria Road, Plumstead
 

Fax: 021 444 3808
brendon.fortuin@capetown.gov.za
 
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From: Peter []
Sent: 05 September 2016 03:09 PM
To: Brendon Fortuin
Subject: Re: Roads Plumstead / Tokai / Lakeside / Muizenberg area
 
Dear Mr Fortuin,
 
I hope you don’t mind there are quite a few pics in this email. I met with some your pot hole team hard at work today outside Pollsmoor (they had already done the other 2 potholes in the middle of the M42 I had reported),  after I explain what was wrong with the current repair job in terms of riding a bicycle - fortunately at the time the road was wet and puddles of water were very visible in the repair job - they understood my explanation and have proceeded - pics below.
 
As cyclist we are expected to hold our line and stay left and thus most of my reports are to do with the road - within 1 meter of the side of the road and the condition of the road in this area. I will also report potholes noticed further into the road - like on the M42 repaired today.
 
I am also very interested to know how the signage will work on what I believe is going to be a cycle path along Kendal road - I am not sure if you have the answers to this. What concerns me is if this is going to be a cycle path who is going to be expected to yield at the intersections Edison drive and Owen drive. At present cycling on Kendal road if continuing straight then car turning into these 2 road should wait for cyclist. I hope with these new cycle path this will remain the same otherwise the cycle path has basically rendered itself useless to cyclist out training and cyclist training will probably end up back on the road.
 
Please let me know if I must send a report via the city website for all the concerns below in this mail or if it will been seen to by yourself?
 
Below are some areas work on already, the ones worked onto day and some areas which need work.
 
If you feel it would be helpful to meet with myself I will quite happily make the time available.
 
Regards
 
Peter Wheeler
 

Edited December 1, 2016 by Icycling

[FootballingCyclist]

Absolute BULLSH*T.

 

So yet again WE as the cyclists must give in to the criminals because nobody else is willing to do something to assist us?? Millions was spent on making this cycling route but now WE are the ones who must just roll over and "accept defeat"?? These criminals will just go and find another cycling hotspot and then start their sh*t over there. It is about time that SAPS and PPA start to do something about sorting the CRIMINALS OUT and NOT the innocent!!

 

With the festive season starting, early morning hours become a danger on the road as many drivers are drunk and drive recklessly to get home whilst us cyclists are out training. It's almost like they leave you with 2 options:

 

1. Cycle along the bike path and risk being robbed and mugged.

2. Cycle along the road and risk being knocked off your bike by a reckless driver and end up in hospital or dead.

 

PPA, PLEASE start doing more along with SAPS to protect the cyclists on the road, ESPECIALLY because the social riders(older ladies and men and kids) will feel A LOT safer on the bike path than they will feel riding on the road!!!

[devocean]

Anyone cycle along Marine drive and onto N1 this morning and have any trouble with the traffic cops at the end of Marine drive?

[Barry_W]

When I have cycle that stretch recently I ride in the bus lane, that way I don't need to go close to any pedestrian that might turn out to be muggers and if a mugger wants me he had to step onto the bus lane which would give me some warning of intent. It feels a bit safer and so far the bus hasn't run me down

[cfcjim]

Anyone cycle along Marine drive and onto N1 this morning and have any trouble with the traffic cops at the end of Marine drive?

What time were they there?  I had to drive in today, no cops when I went through, it was quite early though (0530). They're normally waiting to catch the white line crossers (which I like to see).

[devocean]

What time were they there?  I had to drive in today, no cops when I went through, it was quite early though (0530). They're normally waiting to catch the white line crossers (which I like to see).

 

It was around 8am. They were there again today. Looked like they were pulling people over randomly. Was expecting to be told not to go onto the N1 by bicycle.

[DJR]

It was around 8am. They were there again today. Looked like they were pulling people over randomly. Was expecting to be told not to go onto the N1 by bicycle.

You have a right to be on that part of the N1. It is not a freeway there. The freeway only starts a kilometre or so further East.

 

Having said that, I HATE that little bit of N1, it just feels like I am going to get creamed by a truck or a bus any second. I have tried to avoid the dangerous cycle path stretch by joining the N1 from the Church Street Woodstock bridge / onramp and then going along Marine Drive. It scares the bejeezus out of me.

 

So, I have basically given up riding to Blouberg and beyond from the Southern Suburbs where I live. Unless I can get a  posse together, which isn't often, because I tend to ride alone. I have tried waiting for fellow cyclists and to ride together through the dangerous area, but on a Saturday or a Sunday I often stand around for quite a while, which make me feel vulnerable as well. 

 

Sad situation.

[DJR]

I used the Woodstock, Church Street, N1 Marine Drive link this morning, to join the West Coast cycle path from the Southern Suburbs. It was just after 6am and basically deserted. That was OK.

 

Coming back a bit after 9am was not quite so easy. I took the first part of the cycle lane through Paarden Eiland and found it totally deserted. At Paarden Eiland Road I waited for about 10 minutes for a fellow rider to catch up. When someone eventually did, he turned around and avoided the dodgy part between the Paarden Eiland and Woodstock MyCity Bus Stations. So, I took the Marine Drive, N1, Church Street, Woodstock link again so as not to get mugged.

 

Eish! Those container trucks are dangerous. Cars and trucks passing you in the tight little circle bridge raised more than just my hair, my teeth stood on end! I don't like that kind of intimacy, especially if I have nowhere to ditch, no plan B, no pavement to hop. But I got through safely.

 

I'm not so sure what I'll do in future.

[openmind]

I used the Woodstock, Church Street, N1 Marine Drive link this morning, to join the West Coast cycle path from the Southern Suburbs. It was just after 6am and basically deserted. That was OK.

 

Coming back a bit after 9am was not quite so easy. I took the first part of the cycle lane through Paarden Eiland and found it totally deserted. At Paarden Eiland Road I waited for about 10 minutes for a fellow rider to catch up. When someone eventually did, he turned around and avoided the dodgy part between the Paarden Eiland and Woodstock MyCity Bus Stations. So, I took the Marine Drive, N1, Church Street, Woodstock link again so as not to get mugged.

 

Eish! Those container trucks are dangerous. Cars and trucks passing you in the tight little circle bridge raised more than just my hair, my teeth stood on end! I don't like that kind of intimacy, especially if I have nowhere to ditch, no plan B, no pavement to hop. But I got through safely.

 

I'm not so sure what I'll do in future.

Just use the singletrack on the harbour side to link Marine drive to Church street.