EDITOR – A new phenomenon has arisen on the new road sidewalks from Waterfall to Hillcrest. Increasingly, cyclists are using sidewalks, especially in the mornings, and pedestrians are expected to jump out of the way to let them through.
If it was the intention of the authorities when they built the new ‘highway’ between the two suburbs that cyclists should use the pedestrian sidewalk, then there needs to be rules of the sidewalk. The new road provides little space for cyclists, who are always at risk. The increase in cyclists on our roads is not recreational users, but workers riding to work.
In Australia – notably Canberra – paths where cyclists and pedestrians share a path there is a white line down the middle. Walk on the left, pass on the right. Each cycle has a bell or a hooter fitted to warn pedestrians that a cyclist is coming. Pedestrians are not expected to jump out of their way at the last moment to protect themselves from injury. But then, Australians are generally law-abiding when it comes to roads and paths, unlike South Africa’s ill-disciplined drivers.
Here, strangely, cyclists on sidewalks believe they have right of way. Action needs to be taken by the authorities. If cylists are to be allowed to use sidewalks, then set rules – erect appropriate signs on sidewalks for cyclists or ban cyclists. Insist on warning devices on cycles. Begin punishing offenders.
Ron Legg
Hillcrest
