Wide berth for road campaign
While the Pedal Power Association calls for motorists to give cyclists a one metre gap, local cyclists have said this is a near-impossible feat in the Upper Highway area.
THE Pedal Power Association (PPA) claimed hit and run crashes that involved cyclists has become a common phenomenon in South Africa.
Following a recent Carte Blanche report on cyclists in Gauteng being attacked for their bikes, helmets shoes and cellphones, the Highway Mail met with the Westville Cycle Club’s chairman, Kelvin du Sart, regarding the safety concerns of motorists and cyclists in the Highway area.
PPA CEO, Robert Vogel, said many of these accidents occurred in the early hours of the morning when drivers returned from a night out on the town.
“Road safety means giving fellow road users space. A cyclist has as much right to use the road as any motorist and should be afforded the same tolerance and respect as a motorist. When cars overtake, they give each other space, so why not give a cyclist a safety gap when passing?” asked Vogel.
“Obeying the rules of the road does not always offer cyclists maximum protection,” he said.
“It is up to the other road users, specifically motorists, to give cyclists a wide berth and ensure there is enough space when passing.”
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The one-metre passing law in the Western Cape states that vehicles need to pass cyclists with a wide berth of at least one metre.
If it is safe to do so, a motorist may also cross a solid white line to give a cyclist at least a one metre gap.
Gillitts resident, du Sart, said he has been a cyclist for most of his life and recently returned from a trip to Amsterdam where cyclists have right of way over vehicles.
“It was absolutely mind-blowing. As a cyclist it was wonderful to see. The campaigns that we run here, in Durban specifically, don’t work. We don’t have the correct roads to start with. There are no extra shoulders in the roads and the side roads we do have do not accommodate runners or cyclists. They’re not designed for it,” said du Sart.
While he has not been involved in any accidents personally, he admitted there were a few close shaves with motorists. “We are fortunate that motorists, in the Upper Highway especially, are generally really good,” said du Sart.
Regarding the issue of violent crimes against local cyclists, du Sart said, ” We have been fortunate that only on the odd occasion has a cyclist been robbed and it isn’t nearly as bad as other parts of South Africa. We encourage all of our cyclists to ride in groups. But, should you be held up, the best thing to do is hand over what they are asking for. Your life is worth more than a bike or cellphone.”
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