‘Let’s share the road for a safe festive season’
The cycling community appeals to motorists to respect all road users, share the road and ‘stay wider of the rider’.
“Sharing is caring on our road network this summer,” said Neil Robinson, CEO of one of South Africa’s oldest cycling communities, the Pedal Power Association (PPA).
“It’s wonderful to welcome tourists back to South Africa and to be able to enjoy all our special destinations after two summers severely impacted by Covid-19. But this means more of us out and about on the roads,” explained Robinson.
• Also read: Cycling victim’s wife pours out heart: ‘This fight is for all’
“Motorists, please be cautious and pass with a space of one metre around cyclists. Look out for people on bikes as many will be using this clean, green mode of transport to see the sites and enjoy our towns, cities, and rural areas. Cyclists share the road with cars and in the event of a crash, cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable,” said Robinson.
Bicycles take up less road space than cars, help to reduce traffic congestion and leave no emissions. They make an important and growing contribution to sustainable transport in SA, so let’s welcome them and help to keep all cyclists safe. Take special care at intersections, where many crashes happen and if traffic lights are not working due to load-shedding, remember to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Also read: Attacks on cyclists on the increase – Pedal Power Association
Top tips for safe cycling this summer:
• Be visible on your bike and indicate your intentions
• Always wear your helmet
• Respect and obey the rules of the road and especially ride in single file
• Be courteous to motorists who give you room and are careful
Report damaged and broken road infrastructure
Potholes, damaged infrastructure, and missing manhole covers can cause serious injuries to cyclists and pedestrians, as well as damaging vehicles. Report these to the local authorities.
In Cape Town call 0800 65 64 63, toll free to report issues 24/7 in English, Afrikaans, or isiXhosa.
In Joburg WhatsApp 084 768 4653
In eThekwini (Durban) WhatsApp 073 148 3477
To report all crime, infrastructure and crash related incidents across the country, please WhatsApp PPA Hotline on 0810439890.
“Let’s all be tolerant towards one another and share the road during festive season,” Robinson concluded.
