The tragic death of Olympic biker Burry Stander and the many other accidents involving cyclists on our roads have again brought the safety of cyclists on public roads into the spotlight. This quick guide offers cyclists some simple pointers on how to ensure their safety as well as the safety of other road users.

Other road users are always a concern when cycling, but follow these tips to try and minimise the danger:

1. Be prepared

    • Ensure your bike is in good condition to avoid unnecessary stops
    • Wear appropriate eyewear to protect your eyes from wind, dirt and insects
    • Always wear a cycle helmet, and replace it after a crash.

2. Be visible

    • Wear bright, reflective clothing to enable other road users to see you
    • When signalling, make your intentions very clear
    • Ride in a group or with someone else to be more visible, but never ride side-by-side and always go single file in high traffic areas
    • Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.

3. Be polite and considerate

    • Don’t hitch a ride or keep your balance by holding on to cars – it can lead to unnecessary altercations or even road rage and could also pose a physical danger
    • Always give pedestrians priority
    • Don’t have a defensive attitude and thank other road users for giving way or considering you.

4. Be law-abiding

The Road Traffic Act prescribes the following about riding on cycles on South African public roads:

    • Cyclists must be seated astride on the saddle of a cycle
    • Unless overtaking another cyclist, cyclists must ride single file
    • Cyclists may not take hold of any other vehicle in motion
    • Cyclists must have at least one hand on the handle-bars of a cycle at all times
    • Cyclists must never cause their cycles to swerve from side to side
    • Cyclists must be in complete control of their cycles at all times, and must not carry another person, animal or object that obstructs their view or control of the cycle
    • The wheels of the cycle must be in contact with the road surface at all times
    • Where a portion of the road has been set aside specifically for the use of cyclists, cyclists may not ride on any other part of the road.

5. Be vigilant

    • Be on the lookout for debris and potholes, and avoid puddles because of possible hidden hazards
    • Be aware of your surroundings and try to anticipate scenarios such as car doors that open or pedestrians running across the road
    • Avoid areas of high traffic and bus and taxi routes.

 

Sources
www.arrivealive.co.za
www.bicycling.co.za
www.wikipedia.com