RESPECT ALL WHO USE THE ROAD EQUALLY

A large group of cyclists took to the road early on Sunday morning. For the 140 or so riders this was not the usual leisurely outing. Their ride was to honour a fellow cyclist Lance Botha. He died in a road accident last month. Botha had been out cycling when he was struck by a vehicle.

On Sunday, cyclists participating in the ride placed a white painted bicycle at the spot he died. They also comforted his widow Denise.

The safety of cyclists on our roads remains a constant concern. Like cars, buses or taxis, cyclists are entitled to be on the road as long as they obey the rules. We appeal to motorists to respect their rights and allow them to share the road.

We also urge the cycling fraternity to do likewise. If truth be told, there are cyclists flouting the rules. They are rude and believe the road belongs to them. Some motorists behave exactly the same. None of this is necessary.

One bicycle rider’s death on the road is one too many. There’s no need for a contest between cyclists and motorists. We don’t need more widows like Denise Botha.

Our thoughts are with her. What’s needed is for all road users to be tolerant, exercise patience and respect others. For the civil-minded among us, this is very easy to do. But for the road hogs, of which there are many, it can a very tall order.

They are a pain and a hindrance. They should be taken off our roads and relieved of the privilege of having a driver’s licence.

Peace.