Durban North cyclists share lockdown safety tips

AS the Pedal Power Association (PPA) has called for cyclists to take heed of safety tips, the Northglen News chats to two local cyclists to find out how they stay safe on the roads and how they have adapted their routines to comply with lockdown regulations.

PPA chairperson, Steve Hayward said the PPA receives regular complaints about cyclists’ behaviour on the road towards fellow riders and motorists.

“We appeal to all cyclists to comply with all traffic laws and Covid-19 lockdown regulations. Let’s be courteous towards all road users and be part of the solution not the problem,” he added.

Aroon Patel, a Durban North resident, has been cycling for about ten years.

“I stay safe by wearing visible clothing, appropriate protective gear and using flashing lights attached to my bike. I am also mindful of traffic and courteous to all road users,” he said.

Also read: North Durban cyclists urged to be cautious as traffic increases

Another Durban North cyclist Sean Lucien who is president of KZN Cycling, has been cycling for 12 years. He said the time of day one chooses to cycle plays an important role in safety.

“We ride on safer routes where there are less cars and not on a main road. It’s also about the time of the day on the road and keeping to a single file,” he said.

Lucien added that he uses a Garmin radar so he knows when motorists are coming up behind him.

“It’s also about consideration to all road uses just a nice hand gesture to say sorry to motorists if they are behind you and they can’t get past helps prevent them from getting agitated. Also we don’t ride in the afternoon as some motorists have a bad day at work and are irritated when going home so we stay away from riding in the evening,” he added.

While cycling in groups is a key safety tip, lockdown restrictions have limited this, said Patel.

Also read: Glen Anil resident tackles the ‘cycle’ of poverty

“I cycle for fitness and recreation. Lockdown has meant that our club rides are no longer done in large social groups in order to reduce exposures. It has also required us to adjust to curfew times and to ensure that riders have masks on when we gather at coffee shops before or after our rides,” he explained.

“Lockdown has had an impact on everyone. With the curfew everyone has to change there training habits as well as people commuting to work making higher traffic volumes hence changing our routes to suit the changing traffic, its all about tolerance of all road users and ensuring the safety of everyone,” added Lucien.

The PPA urged cyclists to ride in single file, observe traffic signals and to cycle predictably, using hand signals.

“Don’t cycle against traffic. Riding in the opposite direction on the opposite side of the road is extremely dangerous. It is illegal to cycle with headphones. The law only permits hearing aids to be in your ear. Don’t hinder your ability to hear warnings,” said Hayward.

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