Blouberg to Waterfront

[Jonesy]

Hi all.

 

I will be in Cape town from Christmas to New Years and I'll be staying in the Blouberg area. I'd really like to know more about the cycle path that I believe exists between Blouberg and the V&A via the R27. Is it advisable to ride here over this week? Is it clearly demarcated? Any words of caution regarding safety etc?

 

I'll be flying down with pram, car seat and a plethora of baby paraphernalia so taking my bike along is really not my first option...... if anybody would consider loaning/renting a mid-range bike to me, I would be so ever grateful. Or if anyone could recommend first hand a place I could get one at a good rate and for perhaps a few hours in the morning..... I may only get to do two or three rides but it will be worth it!

 

Much appreciate the advice and help.????

 

Thank you

[Psyrax]

Last I heard its not safe over weekends. Dont know if something has been done about the dangerous elements. The cycle path itself runs through Paarden Island Industrial area and that stretch is dangerous - people looking for affirmative shopping oppurtunities and with many factories closed it will be even worse. You can bypass that area and ride on the R27 which is a bit better but then you have to compete with the traffic on one of the bussiest roads in the Cape. IMO, enjoy your holiday and stay with your family. BUT, if you want to MTB, thats a whole different conversation and you will see little of your family.

[Chingy182]

You might want to ask at Cycle Teknix in Tableview.

They do bike rentals.

There's also Cycles Direct in Sunningdale, but not sure if they also do rentals.

 

As far as cycling safety on the cycle route goes, I would advise you on NOT trying to ride this alone.

There have been far too many attacks on cyclists.

 

The most notorious area is between Paarden Eiland and the Woodstock MyCiti bus station.

A bunch of vagrants have also moved into the area there which has produced quite a nasty smell.

 

Otherwise, the path is very clear and visible.

There are usually lots of people on the route on a daily basis, so just try to catch up to a group when going to the Waterfront on the cycle path.

 

You can also enquire at Cycle Teknix about joining social group rides from their shop.

 

I hope this helps

[Chingy182]

There's actually a nice stretch of road running between Blouberg and Melkbosstrand a lot of cyclists also enjoy. You can continue further to Duynefontein, ride a loop through there and come back to Blouberg. Should give you close to 40km.

 

If you want to go 100+km, just ride to Langebaan and tell your wife to meet you there in 45min with the car as you'll be blowing with the South Easter all the way there.

 

Another option is getting yourself a MyCiti bus card and taking the bus to the Waterfront and riding from there through Campsbay, Llundadno, Hout Bay into Noordhoek and back again. 

[MTBeer]

There's actually a nice stretch of road running between Blouberg and Melkbosstrand a lot of cyclists also enjoy. You can continue further to Duynefontein, ride a loop through there and come back to Blouberg. Should give you close to 40km.

 

If you want to go 100+km, just ride to Langebaan and tell your wife to meet you there in 45min with the car as you'll be blowing with the South Easter all the way there.

 

Another option is getting yourself a MyCiti bus card and taking the bus to the Waterfront and riding from there through Campsbay, Llundadno, Hout Bay into Noordhoek and back again. 

don't know if that is the greatest advice. That road is a death trap - people drive like complete idiots. Pity because it has such a wide shoulder most of the way.

 

Disclaimer - non-roadie perspective.

[Cippo]

Get a bike, drop the family off in Waterfront and ride out towards Chappies via Camps Bay. Bring your own pedals and gps wiff.

[Chingy182]

don't know if that is the greatest advice. That road is a death trap - people drive like complete idiots. Pity because it has such a wide shoulder most of the way.

 

Disclaimer - non-roadie perspective.

Yeah I suppose considering the time of year too it will be a very busy road

[Dazshell]

I've just come back from CT and rode the route last Friday.  It is perfect but I would not ride it alone through Paarden Eiland.  Better bet from Blouberg is to ride towards CT until Lagoon Beach, turn back there and ride out to Melkbos and even on to Kooberg (pretty safe and on Otto du Plessis, not R27) and back.  Will get you around 75kms.

[wolver]

Assume the increased security on the cycle path hasn't made a difference then?

https://www.southernsuburbstatler.co.za/news/cops-on-motorbikes-patrol-cycle-lane-11622308

[lechatnoir]

why not get a myciti card, ride to milnerton/paarden eiland, then bus to the foreshore, then ride to chappies, then reverse it on the way home. probably cost about 15-20 ronts for the 2 bus trips. you'll just need to figure where to catch the buses

 

discretion is the better part of valour... no sense in risking a fat mess.

[Chingy182]

Assume the increased security on the cycle path hasn't made a difference then?

https://www.southernsuburbstatler.co.za/news/cops-on-motorbikes-patrol-cycle-lane-11622308

I take the MyCiti bus everyday to work.

Never seen one of these motorbike police units though

It's probably easier to spot a leopard in the Cedarberg mountains

[lechatnoir]

I take the MyCiti bus everyday to work.

Never seen one of these motorbike police units though

It's probably easier to spot a leopard in the Cedarberg mountains

 

probably easier to spot a leopard on the cycle lane...

[mrcg]

I've been riding the Blouberg to town route 4 dyas a week...even through Paarden Eiland...on my ace...and have not seen/encountered a single incident. I ride from about 8am into office.

Maybe i'm just lucky...or look tough enough on my mtb.... but I think it's fairly safe. If you are not inclined to take a chance, then do continue straight on the R27. stay as wide right as possible and you'll be ok - facing traffic is better anyway. And look to rent a mtb - not so susceptible to punctures and you can go over rougher sections.....

but that's just me....

[bj horn]

Do the cycle lane almost daily and have had no incidents.Just be street smart .If you feels unsafe stop at nearset Miciti bus station and catch a ride to the next one.Paardeneiland bus stop to Woodstock bus stop, be wary.Lots of riders during holidays just wait for a group.Metro cops do patrols during peak traffic

[Jonesy]

Thanks chaps! Your input has been most appreciated... I reallly don't know the area. Guess I will think about this one.... Maybe I'll drive it first to get a feel for it. So you can take your bike aboard the MyCiti bus? Well that's pretty cool if that's so!

[Chingy182]

Thanks chaps! Your input has been most appreciated... I reallly don't know the area. Guess I will think about this one.... Maybe I'll drive it first to get a feel for it. So you can take your bike aboard the MyCiti bus? Well that's pretty cool if that's so!

Yes, the busses are bike friendly.

 

You won't be able to drive the route with your car though to suss it out... The cycling path stops abruptly at the Milnerton flea market. That's where the busses (and cyclists) turn left and continue on the bus lane via the back road into town. Cars continue straight on Marine drive onto the N1 offramp.

 

The cycling lane also starts off down that road again, but if it's your first time there and you're alone, you wouldn't be faulted for thinking the cycling path ends at the flea market.