Jonkershoek/Stellenbosch - Bike lane. Why not use it?

[Lance Cruz]

I live to the right of where that image was taken. The narrow side access is for all intents and purposes a Labrador walking path. And honestly I'd rather put myself in harms way on the road, than endanger a Lab. 

The issues pertaining to the width and winding nature of the footpath explains why you ride in the road, and Jonkershoek is not a place where driving quickly is tolerated by the locals - for good reason, many blind farm entrances and no room for evasive action. I've never had somebody in a car get impatient with me, the valley is a place where you're never in a hurry - nor should you be. 

When I very occasionally drive to the gate, it's 50kph, cruise mode. Many farm labourers and kids walk and play in that lane too, it's also a waiting area for taxi transport. I don't feel it's ever fit for a bicycle, except if you are taking a little one on a slow ride with dad. Stellenbosch is very bike aware, people don't scrub you with a wing mirror. 

[porqui]

Here we go ---  !!!

 

Picture definitely taken from the driver's side of the car.

While car was being driven.

So what does that make you?

 

Damn you must have really been peed off.

[Mohs]

I agree that there is no need to get moerig  over cyclist riding like this on the Jonkers road, but you are still looking for trouble.

 

You are also breaking traffic laws.

https://www.arrivealive.co.za/Cycling-Rules-of-the-Road-and-Road-Safety

“..   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….

 

 

I myself had to go onto the gravel/grass many time as big trucks and busses pass by as  there is not enough road.

Tomorrow we will read again “Cyclist down on jonkers road”…

 

Single file and that it…Klaar gelag

 

ps: that road on the side is for runners and dog walkers etc

[ChrisF]

Encountered so many riders not riding single file on the road going out of Jonkies. There is a bike lane out of harms way? Why ride in the road? Two abreast? So many cars had to sway into oncoming traffic to avoid these cyclists!

 

Zero f**ks given. I'm a biker myself and *ssholes like these make my blood boil. 

 

Same old topic ...

 

Same old replies ...

 

 

And yet I have to wonder :

Option 1 - is it a cycling lane or a pedestrian way ?  I dont know, so this is a mute option ...

 

Option 2 - now hang onto your seatbelts here ... two MOUNTAIN BIKES, en route to ride trails, but they dont ride on the gravel next to the tar ???  I see this after each ride of the Tygerberg trails as well.... PAY to ride gravel on a farm, but wont ride on the gravel next to tar ???

 

Option 3 - ride SINGLE FILE on the tar, not holding up traffic.  

 

Option 4 - ....... (self moderated) ... ride two abreast and be that part of the cycling fraternity that irritate motorists.  And NO - "owning the road" is a poor excuse for playing russian rollette on public roads.

 

 

Oooo well, guess it takes all types.

 

 

I KNOW I am tired of making excuses for "these types" of cyclists to my non cycling friends !  

 

PLEASE "share" the road, dont try to "own" it ....

[madmarc]

Question should be - Why are MTBers riding on the road anyway ? Maybe they wannabe MTBers 

[JohanLotter]

The only reason I ride a MTB on the road is to get to the singletrack faster which results in more time being spent on the trails I enjoy the most.

 

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[Eddy Gordo]

The reason I posted the pic, is because I always see that stop sign, and its directed at the "lane on the pavement" which has led me to believe its a cycling lane, but if it is not then hey, traffic rules apply....

[Eddy Gordo]

I agree that there is no need to get moerig  over cyclist riding like this on the Jonkers road, but you are still looking for trouble.

 

You are also breaking traffic laws.

https://www.arrivealive.co.za/Cycling-Rules-of-the-Road-and-Road-Safety

“..   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….

 

 

I myself had to go onto the gravel/grass many time as big trucks and busses pass by as  there is not enough road.

Tomorrow we will read again “Cyclist down on jonkers road”…

 

Single file and that it…Klaar gelag

 

ps: that road on the side is for runners and dog walkers etc

(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.

 

So many dont obey this rule

[karma]

Question should be - Why are MTBers riding on the road anyway ? Maybe they wannabe MTBers 

 

 

google Annie Last, real wannabe, not like she has a XCO World Cup title, or Epic podium or something like that.

[Grease_Monkey]

Have tried using that "cycling lane" before. Continously have to avoid runners and commuters as well as pedestrians and it ends up being a pain. That road is quiet enough to ride in it.

 

If I do see the road is exceptionally busy or the lane is exceptionally quiet I do use it.

 

And all of that said, the lane is not suitable for road bikes at all.

[Patchelicious]

Some questions OP:

 

1) if these had been a tractor or heavy machine, would you have been as upset?

 

2) did it really cost drivers more than an extra few seconds to wait behind them?

 

3) why are the cyclists to blame if vehicles are performing dangerous overtaking moves into oncoming traffic, as you say?

 

4) why are you, and all the other drivers, so impatient on a road that is clearly not a through-way, main road, or arterial route?

 

Seriously... They should be on the gravel next to the road simply because they're on mtbs, but to be honest, they have a right to be on the road, and every road user should treat them as a hazard that requires extra care when driving near.

 

Be lekker.

Whilst all your questions are logically valid, and I agree it doesn’t make a difference in the drivers time to destination. I do however believe that there is a fundamental difference between being held up by a tractor and by two cyclist having a chat on a leisurely ride.

 

A tractor driver doesn’t really have an option in that situation, but the cyclists do. And that perception leads to people getting annoyed.

 

Not saying the impatience is justified, but there is a difference with the intent/attitude between the two.

[jdwet1980]

 

 

Option 2 - now hang onto your seatbelts here ... two MOUNTAIN BIKES, en route to ride trails, but they dont ride on the gravel next to the tar ??? I see this after each ride of the Tygerberg trails as well.... PAY to ride gravel on a farm, but wont ride on the gravel next to tar ???

Nope, I dont ride in the broken glass lane.

[Thor Buttox]

This side guys definitely rise inside the lane in groups and cars are much more relaxed about passing. Even when on my own and I'm just inside the white line on the left (cos the tar is much smoother on the road itself) everyone slows down and waits to pass even if there is no one coming and it just a solid white in the middle. It is very sedate and when you are the one in the car you do it yourself willingly. I think it might be called discipline, or maybe even maturity. Anyway, I like it, mostly cos it really works.

[Jewbacca]

Whilst all your questions are logically valid, and I agree it doesn’t make a difference in the drivers time to destination. I do however believe that there is a fundamental difference between being held up by a tractor and by two cyclist having a chat on a leisurely ride.

 

A tractor driver doesn’t really have an option in that situation, but the cyclists do. And that perception leads to people getting annoyed.

 

Not saying the impatience is justified, but there is a difference with the intent/attitude between the two.

I actually fully get this.

 

When 2 people are riding on a narrow road chilling, chatting, knees out, sunday funday at 11kph it is more annoying than 2 guys who at least look like they are putting in some effort.

 

I am not saying the anger is warranted, but for someone who is short tempered or maybe going through some stuff it is probably 'less acceptable'.

 

I DO also think that on roads like Boyes drive and Jonkers road (not so much where the illegal photo was taken) that have no shoulder and a LOT of blind corners cyclists should be a bit more aware that cars often can't overtake them safely for some time and pulling back to allow them to do so is also polite, seeing as you're at 35% effort anyway and also because you are about to ride where cars aren't, so you can chat and chew the cud 6 abreast at 35% with absolutely no worries.

 

I don't agree with the OP's Ire, but do agree that courtesy is extended both ways.  

[Patchelicious]

This side guys definitely rise inside the lane in groups and cars are much more relaxed about passing. Even when on my own and I'm just inside the white line on the left (cos the tar is much smoother on the road itself) everyone slows down and waits to pass even if there is no one coming and it just a solid white in the middle. It is very sedate and when you are the one in the car you do it yourself willingly. I think it might be called discipline, or maybe even maturity. Anyway, I like it, mostly cos it really works.

That’s lovely, but this isn’t “that side”, and words like discipline and maturity can only be used to describe the exceptions and not the rules.

 

You cannot expect 1st world results when living in a 3rd world country, even if you behave in a 1st world way. A sad reality.

[Thor Buttox]

That’s lovely, but this isn’t that side. and words like discipline and maturity can only be used to describe the exceptions and not the rules.

 

You cannot expect 1st world results when living in a 3rd world country, even if you behave in a 1st world way. A sad reality.

Well, you then have two options:

A) give up and close the thread

B) see A

 

What I meant was that I was one of the impatient idiots thinking my time was more important than everyone else's. I just didn't act out my thoughts but it made my frustration huge. And if I can go through some kind of radical change, anyone can. I still sometimes get grumpy at 110kph on a perfectly straight, empty dual highway but you can actually relax and let it go if you choose.

 

Or in this thread's case, wait a few seconds and go round.