Crime brings cycling safety into focus

With the recent report of a cyclist who was shot for his bicycle, helmet, shoes and watch in Gauteng, the SUN spoke to members of Amanzimtoti Cycling Club (ACC) about how safe they feel on the roads.

Closer to home, Terry Young (66) was robbed of his cellphone on the R102 riding from Illovo Beach to Warner Beach near Illovo River at about 11am on Friday, 7 September. “I was riding quite slow when two guys jumped out of the bush, grabbed my cellphone and disappeared back into the bush,” he said.

Colin Bedingfield of the ACC Roadies said this is why they only ride in groups and never on their own. From Tuesday to Friday, they ride along the local cycling lane and on weekends either down south to Park Rynie or north. “The condition of the R603 is bad but that’s why we only ride in bunches and at the right times,” he said. “There have been (untoward) incidents before but fortunately nothing recently.”

Colin said their concern relates more to the disregard motorists seem to have for cyclists, rather than crime. “In Utopia, every road would have a cycle lane. Every time the municipality has to re-do a road, I tell them they should plan a cycle lane.”

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Toti’s cycle lane is deemed a success by the cyclists but only during non-peak traffic. “When traffic is heavy, especially along Kingsway, it can be dangerous. Cyclists don’t always ride in single file but the last rider warns others when a car is approaching. Cyclists do not always adhere to the rules. All cyclists tend to be lumped together as belonging to the ACC, even though that is not always the case. We try to be as safe as possible and most cyclists do behave on the roads.”

Local riders would like to see the Western Cape’s law of motorists keeping a distance of one metre from a cyclist enforced in KZN. At present Pedal Power Association recommends a 1.5m gap between cars and cyclists but this is not enforced by law.

“Motorists do not want to be inconvenienced but it is a matter of only about 10 seconds to pass a cyclist safely and then you are on your way. Treat us like an other vehicle on the road and show some respect,” said ACC chairman, Barry Walker, who is a Mamba (mountain biker).

Another problem they face is taxis stopping in the cycle lane, which forces them to veer into the road. Studies in the UK show cyclists riding abreast makes them more visible to motorists and vehicles can pass them quicker. To join either the Roadies or Mambas section of the ACC, visit www:amanzimtoticycle.co.za.