Cyclists’ plea to apply the 1-metre passing rule

The Cyclists Stay Alive at 1.5m campaign began in 2011 which resulted in a 1metre passing law which was promulgated in 2013 in the Western Cape. The Stay Wider Of The Rider campaign was launched earlier this year and urges motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance of at least 1m or more.

“The Pedal Power Association’s primary role is to protect and empower cyclists. The 1m campaign will create maximum awareness among drivers that will hopefully lead to safer roads for our cyclists,” said Steve Hayward, chairperson of the association.

“According to the law, motorists are allowed to drive over the solid centre line of a two-way road in order to pass cyclists at a safe distance when the coast is clear,” said Hayward.

Owner of Toyota Cycle Lab and avid cyclist, Andrew Mclean, explained how the campaign will help create awareness surrounding road safety for both motorists and cyclists.

“There needs to be a change in thinking in the way we view cycling, as there isn’t a culture of cycling in this country,” said Mclean.

According to Mclean, the conflict between motorists and cyclists begins with a lack of understanding of each other. Motorists get irate with cyclists and vice versa.

Mclean will embark on the Cape Cycle Tour on 8 March where he anticipates that the challenge will boost the campaign and encourage the public to buy bumper stickers and cycling jerseys in order to help create greater awareness.

Mclean hopes that through the campaign, the public is made more aware of their rights on the road, whether they be cyclists or motorists. “Everyone needs to obey the rules of the road, stop at red lights and keep to the 1-metre rule. I would love to one day see allocated cycling lanes on our roads – with William Nicol Drive being a great place to start. Imagine if those working in Fourways could travel from their homes in Diepsloot on bicycles to work. They would be fitter, on time and safe thanks to the dedicated lanes,” he added.