Cyclist Killed near Durbanville

[Ha Ha Kieran]

Welcome to the Hub Puncture

[Burtovski]

Welcome puncture, nice meeting you

 

 

 

I'm new to the hub too but have been cycling for close to 8 years now.

 

Your idea makes sense, but is illegal (Bicycling 2 or 3 issues ago debates this)

 

But it may be an idea to take up with the authorities...

 

Let me put my ear on the ground.

 

 

 

Frail?

 

Is your actionplan better?

[puncture]

Thanks Kieran and Burtovski, I feel at home already

 

Alas, work has kept me busy and I'm sad to say that I have about 4 copies of Bicycling still wrapped in the plastic.

 

I assumed it was illegal to ride on the "other side" and figured that it could be to our advantage as it will "assist" in getting the authorities' attention.  I also can't see them arresting all the cyclists (mind you, I'd hate to be thrown in jail with shaved legs and a tight outfit...imagine all the "attention" from the locals)

 

On a serious note, at the very least, it could generate some awareness.  I commute to work (Cape Town CBD) 2 -3 times /week, and it's just not nice having to look over your shoulder every few seconds.  

 

I'm also very aware of the fact that it's not just the yellow-line drivers causing the accidents (which I'm pretty sure is also illegal), but you have to start somewhere right?

 

[Rapunzel]

we ride on the right (wrong) side of the road when we're on the mtb - generally move to the verge whenever we see cars (I think it freaks a few of them). Yes it's illegal but then so again is riding a car inside the yellow line and killing cyclists. I think the only solution is for the law to be changed so that the driver is automatically to blame if a cyclist is knocked down.

 

There are other things that the dept of transport could do to reduce the risk - more cat eyes at smaller intervals would discourage motorists from driving in the emergency lane and better maintained verges would allow us to ride further from the traffic with less risk of punctures.

 

I'm not convinced that riding in a group always helps it just makes us a bigger and easier target for the drunk or vindictive driver

[lhiggo]

I have been to Melbourne Oz in 2006 and were amazed at the fact that they have DEDICATED cycling lanes on all roads, EVEN THE FREEWAYS. If you hit a cyclist/runner/pedestrian your licence could be revoked and you faced STIFF fines for that offence.

In SA we could not care a damn. R100 bucks fine suspended till you kill the next cyclist. The only roads with broad yellow lines are unsafe. I have been to the accident scene and the driver really made an effort of knocking Bennie over in the yellow line. He hit Bennie inside the yellow line on a road were the road is broader than normal, the yellow line about 2m wide and it was a straight piece of road.

[Guest Frail4Life]

 

They will say they are busy' date=' busy doing nothing.

 

The "march" to parliament last year, achieved what?

 

I am doing something about the current situation.

 

[/quote']

 

 

 

Frail - please share?

 

Anything we can copy or replicate?

 

Or maybe assist with?

 

 

 

Firstly.

 

The bike, I have two front lights on Helmet and two on rear.

 

Because they are higher than the regular height ie. car or motorbike they get noticed very quickly.

 

Second, riding style or awareness.

 

I cycle with intention ie. when a vehicle is approaching an intersection I stare at said vehicle so my full lights shine onto the vehicle, if not blinding him gets his attention before I progress.

 

Also with Helmet lights the constant movement let it be the front or back lights will draw attention.

 

These lights are Black Diamonds from Due South department store, both are 3watts R750 ( I took the brightest and most expensive, no price for my life) the strongest in their category and not as bulky as the twin lights from Sigma.

 

I have offered to all in my club, let be if they want to go riding. I will join them just so they or I do not cycle alone.

 

With (F.R.A.I.L.) standing for: Cycling to Help Old Age Homes, I do try and raise awareness with different projects.

 

Todate 2009.

 

JHB to Cape Town in 3 days.

 

Cape Town to Knysna in 24 Hours.

 

Cape Town to Swellendam and onto Cape Town.

 

 

 

All were placed in different media, giving awareness for cycling and the Elderly.

 

 

 

David

 

   

[bikemonster]

I'm sure this has been discussed many a time before' date=' but why don't we start riding on the other side of the road? <snip>[/img']

 

 

 

Hi puncture. Welcome!

 

 

 

The problem with riding on the wrong side of the road is that when you approach an intersection where you have right of way, you are not where a motorist is going to be expecting oncoming traffic to be.

 

 

 

James