Everyone in Cape Town wants less traffic congestion, a quicker commute, more parking spaces, better air quality, less of your rates and taxes spent on road maintenance and upgrades, and quieter, more child-friendly neighbourhoods...

Which is why the City of Cape Town has a Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) and Public Transport Policy, which makes cyclists, pedestrians and public transport a priority.

Cyclists (riding for sport, recreation and for transport) have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists – and the Road Traffic Act defines a cyclist as a driver of a motor vehicle. South African roads are public spaces, and cyclists have the right to ride on them, and the responsibility to obey traffic laws (just like motorists do!).

Cyclists have the right to expect motor vehicles to overtake them safely, and look out for them at intersections. The Road Traffic Act is clear: drivers must take other road users into account in whatever they do. Cyclists also have the right to the left-hand side of the road (not the extreme edge of the left-hand side).

But it’s not always easy to share the road with a slower-moving vehicle, especially if you’re not a cyclist yourself. So here are a few ‘tips’ on how to understand, and anticipate, the way in which a cyclist ‘drives’…

Why do cyclists ride in the road – not on the very edge?

• Because cyclists have the RIGHT to safety, and a right to the road. 
• Because safety is a priority, and that’s where a motorists is most likely to see a cyclist! 
• Cyclists should ride about one metre from the edge of the road/ pavement to make sure that motorists can see them, and overtake them with due care. 
• Because the far-left section of a road is often covered in glass or ‘cats eyes’, making it dangerous for cyclists. 
• Because the road camber (‘angle’) and gutters are often dangerous on the road edges. 
• Because if it’s windy, they won’t be blown off the road. 
• Because that’s where cyclists can avoid being hit by a car door.

Watch for cyclists at all times

• Bicycles are vehicles and may take the entire lane. Scan for cyclists in traffic and give them the appropriate right-of-way.
• Children and novice riders can be unpredictable, so expect the unexpected. 
• Watch for cyclists before opening car doors. 
• Don’t drive distracted or after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
• Always check your blind spots. 
• Drive predictably. 
• When you are turning left at an intersection, watch for cyclists who might be carrying on straight. 
• When turning right, across the traffic, watch for cyclists who might be coming toward you from the opposite direction (cyclists could be obscured by ongoing cars). 
• Cyclists are often faster than you realise – you might think there’s time to take the gap in the traffic, but next second there’s a cyclist in your path. 
• If it’s windy, be aware that a cyclist may be blown into your path.
• Drive at the speed limit. 
• Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at stop signs. 
• Allow extra time for cyclists to go through the intersections or traffic lights.

Why more bicycles on roads are better for us all... 

• Less traffic congestion
• More parking spaces for cars 
• Less noise 
• Less pollution 
• Better air quality 
• Better quality of public spaces 
• Less road-maintenance required 
• Fewer cars on the roads 
• Bicycle infrastructure is inexpensive to build and maintain 
• Quieter neighbourhoods with potentially higher property values 
• A knowledge that our country and city is acting on its promise to provide for the rights of its citizens, not only those who are able to afford to own and run motor vehicles.

Follow these steps if you witness or are party to a collision involving a cyclist:
Report the incident to the local police within 24 hours
Send an email to accidents@pedalpower.org.za and include the following:
- Date of incident
- Time of day
- Venue
- A brief description of the incident
- Your contact details

A cyclist and pedestrian is always more vulnerable than a driver, so please look out for us; we all have a right to be on the road, and a right to survive our journey.

To read the full text of the Road Traffic Regulations, visit
http://www.transport.gov.za/library/regulations/1999/

Note that the regulations on this website do not reflect subsequent amendments.