Cape town commute from souther suburbs

[Shebeen]

just started a new job and, having located the showers, am quite keen to start riding in.

 

two main options:

a)M5 - bit dicey, but nice wide shoulder when traffic is slow

b)main road, then cross over to rosmead in kenilworth - quite busy but not impossible

 

any thoughts?does anyone ride on the M5?

[Yellow Zebra]

i think riding on the M5 is illegal? It is a nice and direct route, though...

 

Sit down with a map book, and check out some route options.

 

then maybe consider a combo trip (bike + train), to see if how easy it is (in case of rain), and to give you options.

 

My 5 c - use it/dont' use it!

Like the fact that we have another commuter!

Good luck

[heed0]

Is it legal to cycle on the M5 freeway?

Edited July 7, 2011 by heed0

[Lucky Luke.]

Where are you riding from Steve? I have done a lot of commuting from Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay - I have many routes, ranging from fastest, to lumpiest. I have to say the M5 does not feature, although some guys like it for TT training. The Lavender Hill end is dicey. Don't slow down if you are riding through there.

 

Edit: did not read the subtitle of your thread.

 

Ok if you are riding from Muizenburg quickest way is defnitely straight down the Main Road - about 22-23km probably - it's the quickest but not the best or a route that I would ride.

 

A better way is to take Main Road to Claremont junction with Stanhope Road, over the railway line and left into Palmyra Road.

Follow this road all the way until it becomes Campground and keep going until you hit Obs.

 

If you have time / want to train you can take a detour up onto Boyes, past Stonehaven / Golf Course, left into Steenberg Road, down Spaanschemat River Road all the way to Constantia Village, right past Virgin Active, under the M3 and up Wynberg Hill (Alphen Hill Road), down Waterloo Road, right into Herschel Walk, down Newlands Road, right at the circle into Protea Road, across Main Road and into left Campground. That's a much nicer ride. Watch Constantia after dark though, there are no street lights.

Edited July 7, 2011 by Lucky Luke.

[Guest Frail4Life]

Is it legal to cycle on the M5 highway?

 

MY ? IS the M5 a High Way?

[splat]

I sometimes ride through to Town from Claremont along Camp Ground/Liesbeek/Lower Main Road.

No major hassles.

Best to go earlier so that the traffic is less and have a good light so you can see pot holes, debris etc.

 

The return trip is not so much fun when the SE is pumping.

Best to go later (5:30) so that the traffic is lighter.

Pedestrians are the biggest factor.

Then the 4x4's in Claremont...

[LeTurbo]

 

If you have time / want to train you can take a detour up onto Boyes, past Stonehaven / Golf Course, left into Steenberg Road, down Spaanschemat River Road all the way to Constantia Village, right past Virgin Active, under the M3 and up Wynberg Hill (Alphen Hill Road), down Waterloo Road, right into Herschel Walk, down Newlands Road, right at the circle into Protea Road, across Main Road and into left Campground. That's a much nicer ride. Watch Constantia after dark though, there are no street lights.

 

This would be my recommendation too. Or there's the summer ride which is Spaanschemaat to Constantia, over Constantia Nek, into town, have coffee, and come back to Obs along the bike path (to Old Castle Brewery) or Sor Lowry Road or one of those (taxi aware, of course). Are you now at Black River Park, SteveCT?

[heed0]

Is it legal to cycle on the M5 freeway?

 

any answers???

Edited July 7, 2011 by heed0

[jimmy hardtail]

Cycling is not allowed on any freeway. I guess the off ramps are to dangerous.

[heed0]

Cycling is not allowed on any freeway. I guess the off ramps are to dangerous.

 

thanks jimmy

[Shebeen]

This would be my recommendation too. Or there's the summer ride which is Spaanschemaat to Constantia, over Constantia Nek, into town, have coffee, and come back to Obs along the bike path (to Old Castle Brewery) or Sor Lowry Road or one of those (taxi aware, of course). Are you now at Black River Park, SteveCT?

 

oops forgot about this.

 

ja, working in BRP - but there aren't showers available to all. companies have to put them in, and they're not available to other staff. - oh well.

 

been taking the train/driving, but will make a plan on the shower and report back on commute routes if i do.

[baloo]

Hi, just moved to Cape Town and like to commute Newlands to CBD along mountain at 7am. Is that safe on my own? will I see other riders?
Just had my Scott Spark stolen (from garage) so wary of losing another bike!
Any info appreciated

[Pure Savage]

Hi, just moved to Cape Town and like to commute Newlands to CBD along mountain at 7am. Is that safe on my own? will I see other riders?

Just had my Scott Spark stolen (from garage) so wary of losing another bike!

Any info appreciated

 

The mountain has had some hijackings, but if you in a decent size group it should not be that bad. I stay that side and just go through woodstock then N1 to town.

[Reinhardt89]

Hi, just moved to Cape Town and like to commute Newlands to CBD along mountain at 7am. Is that safe on my own? will I see other riders?

Just had my Scott Spark stolen (from garage) so wary of losing another bike!

Any info appreciated

HI Baloo, I cycle to work from Rondebosch about 3 times per week (via woodstock) and I try to cycle via the mountain once per week. You are more than welcome to join me. PM me and I'll add you to our whatsapp group. But I usually go rather early, leaving at 5:45 usually.

[T-Bob]

When I was riding in to gardens I'd ether go the mountain or if I was late I'd hammer the path next to the M3 / De Waal Drive. Was nice and hilly on the way out of town. From Newlands you could do the University / Rhodes Mem' path next to the M3, drop down through the Uni / the windmill onto Main Road just by Mowbray lights and cut up to the start of the path in the green belt a block later as it crosses over the N2 zipping round the back of the the Hospital.  

[Hackster]

'and cut up to the start of the path in the green belt a block later as it crosses over the N2 zipping round the back of the the Hospital.'

 

I'm familiar with Anzio and how to get onto the path there, but not sure I follow what you mean by the green belt as stated above. Can you perhaps clarify?

 

Thanks.