Race organisers road safety tips for cyclists and motorists
AUTUMN marks the official start of the Cape Town Cycle Tour set to take place on March 12, with hundreds of cyclists putting in the extra hours of training for the 2017 race.
The Cape Town Cycle Trust said this also means an increase in accidents and cycling-related injuries.
With so many jostling for space on the road, race organisers are urging cyclists and motorists to make safety their number one priority.
Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust David Bellairs said many cycling-related accidents could be prevented if cyclists and motorists were more aware of one another on the road.
“Tolerance, awareness and mutual respect is key during this time. If cyclists and motorists take the time to be considerate of each other’s needs, the roads will be a safer place for all.”
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has thrown its weight behind its “Stay Wider of the Rider” campaign, which aims to create maximum awareness among all road users.
The PPA and the Cycle Tour have put together a comprehensive list of safety tips, which they encourage all cyclists to follow:
CYCLISTS
Head gear: Never get on your bicycle without a helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of cyclist fatalities so invest in a hard-shell helmet that fits properly and correctly position it on your head.
Wear some form of ID: When cycling, ensure that you have some form of identification on you and emergency contact details for a spouse, relative or friend – like the I.C.E ID.
Ride unplugged: You need to know what’s going on around you. So in the interest of your own safety, do not ride with earphones in. Chatting on your cellphone is not a good idea either.
See and be seen: Motorists are naturally conditioned to keep an eye out for other vehicles. Increase your visibility by wearing bright, reflective clothing and fitting lights on your bike.
Obey the rules and be traffic savvy: Be assertive but not aggressive when riding. Show common courtesy and respect the rights of all other road users.
Use hand signals: In the interest of courteousness and safety, tell motorists what you intend to do.
Get out of town: Nothing beats the countryside when it comes to safe riding. Or even better: do some off road riding where there are no cars at all.
Mind the weather: Avoid riding in bad weather – especially in foggy conditions.
Safety in numbers: Avoid riding alone. Group riding will not only teach you valuable bunch-riding skills, but will also ensure that help is at hand in case of an emergency.
MOTORISTS
Obey the rules: Treat cyclists like you would fellow motorists – always obey traffic laws and signs.
Be aware: Cyclists may have to swerve to avoid an open car door or road hazard.
Mind the gap: Leave at least a metre – ideally 1.5m – between yourself and a cyclist when overtaking.
Be patient: When the road is too narrow to overtake a cyclist safely, wait until the oncoming lane is clear before you pass.
No hooting please: Do not hoot when approaching a cyclist from behind. This may startle a cyclist and cause them to veer into the road in front of you.
Stay in your lane: When driving along a winding road, do not move into the yellow line or shoulder of the road to let someone pass – there may be cyclists around the next turn.