Share The Road Space With Cyclists So They Ride Again!

The general holding in the road safety practice is that the road is a shared space and that the very concept of safety in the latter is a shared responsibility. This thought defies the fallacious notion that the road was designed and only meant for motorized traffic. Cyclists and pedestrians too, where the space allows them to, become part of traffic. This call, therefore, is to appeal to motorists to be on the lookout for all non- motorized traffic rightfully and/or wrongfully on the road and avoid any crashes with them. This does not call only for vigilance but also for speed management so that they avoid potential catastrophic realizations now prevalent between motorists and these sectors of vulnerable and non-motorized traffic.

Border to border cycling tour

On Saturday, the cycling society shall be embarking on a cross-country tour that shall commence in the early hours of Saturday morning14/06/25 from Oshoek to Lavumisa which predominantly shall occupy MR3 Oshoek/Lavumisa, MR Lukhula Road and MR8 Big Bend /Lavumisa. There shall be groups of cyclists as individuals and clubs in these road spaces wherein motorists are requested to consider their presence and save them from crashing into them. The warning also goes to the cyclists themselves to adopt the safest mode of cycling on this tour. Notwithstanding whatever assistance that may be rendered individually and collectively, the onus is on each cyclist to ensure they are reflected in cycling and that they have adopted a safe position way off the lane where they may collide with motorized traffic. They should be cognizant of their surroundings so that they can indulge in safe maneuvers. Like motorists, cyclists too should observe traffic lights lest they are hit by motorists coming from the other end. A crash between cyclists and pedestrians is possible and can be fatal too. For that reason, it is imperative that cyclists too do give way to those walking, especially crossing the road at designated places.

Be safe on your day-to-day cycling

Apart from the organized cycling event cycling is a favourite sport and hobby for a sizeable number of people in the country. Oftentimes they are spotted on the road in practice and attainment of fitness of same. For starters, it is imperative that anyone in this indulgence must choose the safest of spaces on the road to cycle, especially with one void of fast-moving vehicles. In their solo cycling endeavors, some cyclists are caught in the thick of traffic and would not be sufficiently reflected to be identified quickly in space. In many instances, motorists have been deemed unwilling to share space with cyclists, hence the collisions where even fatalities have been realized. Weather also plays a pivotal role in the safety of a cyclist such that inclement rainy weather days may not really be suitable for the spot be one an individual or cycling in a group. Society cannot overrule the fact that cycling can also venture as means of transport, especially in the rural areas. Motorists are as much requested to look out for this cadre of cyclists who may venture on the road in the dark, unreflected and their bicycles not reflecting in any way.

Take aways

• Share the road with cyclists, they too are part of traffic
• Border-to-border cycling is only once a year, be patient with the participants on the road
• Cyclists, please be reflective on the ride
• Choose the safest road and space where to indulge in your cyclicling sporting hobby
• Kill your speed lest you kill a cyclist.