Liam Clarke, Bakwena commercial manager, writes:
In an ongoing effort to promote safety on South African roads, Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena) urges cyclists to keep off freeways and stop en-dangering their own and others’ lives.
The toll concessionaire has noticed a significant increase in the number of cyclists using its routes, most notably the sections closer to Pretoria and Rustenburg. It is illegal and extremely dangerous for cyclists to be on the freeways, especially given the increase in the number of fatal accidents involving cyclists.
I point to challenges that cyclists face on public roads and freeways according to Arrive Alive:
- Vulnerability — if the collision speed exceeds 45 km per hour, there is a less than 50% chance that the cyclist will survive the impact. Even at low impact speeds, cyclists can be badly injured. Given that vehicles travel at speeds of up to 120 km per hour on the freeway, it becomes self-evident why cyclists should avoid these roads.
- Flexibility — motorists can never be sure when or where to expect cyclists, especially in instances where some cyclists tend to ignore the road rules. This makes their situation highly precarious.
- Invisibility — cyclists are often difficult to see, even if they are wearing reflective clothing.
- Estrangement — cyclists are often trea-ted as nuisances on the roads and some-times not seen to have equal road rights.
Cyclists need to plan their journeys ahead of time so that they do not resort to using the freeway as an option. They should con-sider what routes to use and when they need to depart to get to their destinations in time.
The time of day that cyclists decide to tra-vel is also important. According to inter-national statistics, most cycling accidents occur on weekday afternoons and the risk of cycling accidents is four to five times greater after sunset.Keep these safe cycling tips in mind: - Ask experienced cyclists in your area on which routes/roads they train and why they prefer those roads.
- Be alert to the risk that drivers in cars might be blinded by the rising or setting of the sun and might not see cyclists travelling on the side of the road.
- Watch out for surface conditions like pot-holes and debris.
- Never ride your bike through puddles as there may be hazards hidden in the water that cannot be seen.
- Avoid travelling in the dark.
- There is strength in numbers. If possible, do not travel alone and rather find a regular partner to train with. This is also important especially in the event of an emergency.
- Inform friends and family of your cycling schedule, the road you will be cycling on and when you can be expected to return.
- Carry a fully charged phone with you so you can request assistance in the event of an emergency.
