PPA urges motorists to give cyclists space on the roads

Cape Town’s scenic routes are busier than ever as sports cyclists are ramping up their training in anticipation of the Cape Town Cycle Tour in March.
This potentially increases the risk of incidents involving cyclists. With so many road users jostling for space on the road, the Pedal Power Association’s ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ campaign urges motorists and cyclists to share the roads safely.
“The PPA spends millions on awareness campaigns to keep cyclists safe on our roads,” explains PPA CEO Robert Vogel. The association’s ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ campaign which launched in 2014 has been instrumental in creating awareness amongst motorists especially when passing cyclists “Cyclists are vulnerable road users and should be given space of at least one metre on our roads,” says Vogel.
“Busier roads mean more potential for danger and conflict amongst motorists and cyclists. Both can be avoided if cyclists and motorists commit to sharing the road and being respectful of one another,” explains Vogel.
“Cyclists need space on either side of them to take evasive action without veering into the path of approaching motor vehicles. In windy or wet conditions, motorists should give a cyclist even more space when passing. Potholes and loose debris pose a greater threat to cyclists on skinny wheels compared to the wider tyres of a car or bus,” Vogel comments.
If there is a hard shoulder on the road, cyclists will use it to stay out of the roadway. If there is no shoulder, a cyclist should “claim his or her space” in the lane. If a cyclist sticks to the very left of the lane, the motorist has a tendency to overlook the cyclist and try to stay in the lane in the face of oncoming traffic. The motorist, risking the life of the cyclist, claims the safety gap.
Do you know that motorists can cross a solid white when overtaking a cyclist? Space save lives, it is as simple as that. If there isn’t enough space to overtake, the motorist should slow down and wait for a safe opportunity. Losing a few seconds in travel time is nothing versus a family losing a father, a husband losing a wife or parents losing a child.
“Whether we are cycling or driving, we all would like to reach our destination safely so we need to respect each other’s journeys. Cyclists need to have a presence on the road and should always wear high-visibility clothing and use bike lights at all times,” Vogel concludes.
* We are hosting an Awareness Ride starting from Maiden’s Cove to Chapman’s Peak on Sunday 4 March at 7h00. Anyone can join and there is no charge all we ask is that you wear bright clothing or your Stay Wider of the Rider jersey and obey the rules of the road on the ride.
*The PPA stocks a range of highly visible cycling jerseys, socks and arm warmers, which are available on our online store so visit our website www.pedalpower.org.za.