In South Africa, most motorists believe that cyclists have no right to use the road as they do, and that they should ride their bikes as far left as possible. But according to South African law, bicycles are considered the same as cars.
If cyclists rode on the far-left side of the road they might not be in the best position. There are many obstacles the cyclist would need to address:
- There is a lot of debris and glass on the far left of the road, which is dangerous to cyclists.
- There are “cat’s eyes”, gutters or drain covers that can cause a cyclist to fall.
- The road camber (curvature of the road) can be very steep and uneven at the edge of the road.
- When cyclists keep at least a metre from the left edge of the road, it gives them enough room to swerve if a car passes to close to them.
- Riding a metre from the left edge also assists cyclists if they are pushed to the side by gusty winds.
What a Cyclist should Check for Before Setting Out on a Ride
- Make sure your bicycle suits you. Hybrid and mountain bicycles are considered the best for daily commuting. They are comfortable and have a good upright riding position.
- Make sure to check your tyres for a flat. Look for cuts or debris embedded in the tyre.
- Make sure to check that the brakes work, especially in the rain.
- Check for loose nuts and bolts around the handle bars and wheels – you don’t want them coming off while cycling.
- Make sure you have a tyre puncture kit.
- Wear protective gear and reflective clothing which includes a helmet, and gloves. Helmets are very important, not only for safety, but it became law in 2004 to wear one.
- Visibility of your bicycle to others is very important. Fit a white light on the front and a red flashing light at the rear of the bicycle.
Safety Tips When Riding on the Road
- Watch out for drain covers. Some may stick out causing you to fall.
- Check for glass, debris, sand, water or oil.
- Look out for wet paint on the road.
- Watch out for parked cars as there may be a driver or passenger climbing out who is unaware of your approach.
- Be careful of cars turning left as you would be in their blind spot.
- Always make sure to check your blind spots for a vehicle that might be approaching you.
- Be aware of other cyclists, as they might not be as experienced as you are and might be caught off guard when you pass them.
- Try and be as predictable as possible to motorists, so that they can guess correctly what your next move would be.
- Make sure to use the correct hand signals towards motorists and ensure they see your hand signals.
- Be watchful of passengers that might be getting off a bus or taxi. They may not be aware of you.
- When a bus or truck passes you, be careful of the strong breeze that will follow when it passes you.
- Try and give yourself extra space when it’s raining so you have enough time to stop should you need to.
- Don’t use your cell phone while riding your bicycle. Rather safely pull off to the side of the road or use the phone when you get to your destination.
- Try not listen to music with headphones, as this will impair your hearing and you will not be aware of any sounds or danger that might affect you.
- Always be kind and polite when riding on the road.
Stay safe and enjoy many happy miles cycling in the future.
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Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1https://www.pedalpower.org.za/safe-cycling/
Safety Advice for Safe Cycling and Sharing of our Roads with Cyclists!! https://t.co/T9jvGFUSst #ArriveAlive #CyclingSafety @GarminSA @Qhubeka @Cycling_SA @safecyclists pic.twitter.com/z1Xv3LWMSM
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 12, 2019