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Think about cyclists and pedestrians<h2 class="sectHeading">Watch out for pedestrians</h2><p>The law tells drivers to yield, slow down and stop for pedestrians when using a crossing. But pedestrians also need to act responsibly. Jay walking (crossing a road illegally) is common in Cape Town. We all need to watch out for each other while using <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/transport-and-vehicles/road-safety/driving-and-vehicle-safety">the rules of the road</a>.</p><h4> Drivers should treat all pedestrians with care and respect: </h4><ul><li>If you see a pedestrian trying to cross the road, allow them to cross if it is safe for you to slow down or stop.</li><li>Drive slowly when you see many pedestrians are around.</li></ul><h4>Remember</h4><ul><li>If you hit someone while driving at 80km/h, that person is almost certain to die. </li><li>If you hit someone while driving at 60 km/h, there is a 90% chance of death. </li><li>If you hit someone  while driving at 45 km/h, there is a less than 50% chance of death.</li><li>If you hit someone while driving at 30 km/h or slower, there is a 90% chance they will survive. </li></ul><p> <em>Source: Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Ireland 2013. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.</em></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Be hyper aware of cyclists</h2><h4> Think bike – expect to see cyclists and take care: </h4><ul><li>Slow down and drive smoothly, and keep within the speed limits.</li><li>Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.</li><li>Signal – always at circles and every time you pass a cyclist.</li><li>Watch for riders on the inside when you turn left – don’t cut them off.</li><li>Give cyclists space – there must be 1.5 metres or at least half a car’s width between your car and the cyclist.</li><li>Right-turning cyclists need space and time.</li><li>Park considerately and always look for cyclists before opening a car door.</li><li>Don’t drive in lanes reserved for bicycles.</li><li>Use dipped headlights.</li><li>Expect speed from bikes – think of a bike as a vehicle.</li></ul><h4> What cyclists would like drivers to know: </h4><ul><li>Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists – it is a driver’s responsibility to look out for cyclists.</li><li>Bicycles do not have windscreen wipers, so they can battle to see when it rains.</li><li>Bicycles are lighter than cars, so they risk being blown over by the wind.</li><li>Cyclists have a right to occupy space on the road.</li><li>Cyclists need extra room at intersections and circles where cars change speed, position and direction.</li><li>Drivers must respect cyclists turning right – they are exposed to oncoming cars, especially on multi-lane roads.</li><li>Drivers mustn’t park (or in some cases drive) on cycle lanes, red or yellow lines, or at intersections.</li><li>Cyclists, like everyone else, are briefly blinded by full-beam headlights.</li><li>Cyclists can be fast movers – sometimes 30km/h or more.</li></ul>GP0|#48c0a2c9-8ecf-47e1-bb7a-3bec64963dd9;L0|#048c0a2c9-8ecf-47e1-bb7a-3bec64963dd9|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#d28cd67f-3bd5-4d41-9db3-54bd246b934f;GPP|#bb1d214c-4a13-47f8-89cd-911676b553ad;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#1598af2e-c63e-4ec6-b8d6-365525c01ae3;L0|#01598af2e-c63e-4ec6-b8d6-365525c01ae3|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#00d4d49a-c378-43ad-bf39-d52bd0d43fdc;GP0|#057b5590-d52b-41a0-a088-d95e618093b7;L0|#0057b5590-d52b-41a0-a088-d95e618093b7|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#cf84ce59-ed47-4a14-9a17-f263b9d28c4f;GPP|#14a3ee0b-b641-42d6-9511-506df3d1bdc9;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57;GP0|#c6461704-f0cb-4666-8a65-6638a7ae02fc;L0|#0c6461704-f0cb-4666-8a65-6638a7ae02fc|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#14f28a8e-0a68-42b1-8871-7e8fd66a3283;GP0|#02f3c6a9-70d2-47c4-9e1a-965c77b67294;L0|#002f3c6a9-70d2-47c4-9e1a-965c77b67294|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#e6f1c59e-02fc-4c68-bbf2-29b7424f3082;GPP|#9f841cad-99c7-419d-a78f-65752fc421d4;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#44ad4ac6-16e5-4cba-99d8-41fe14400de9;L0|#044ad4ac6-16e5-4cba-99d8-41fe14400de9|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#0f252e5e-cbae-49e4-a32a-5948f5c74f9d;GP0|#77987df1-e46d-4d6d-8de9-de7a25deb15a;L0|#077987df1-e46d-4d6d-8de9-de7a25deb15a|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#8976fb79-910a-406c-bef2-3aed81e2f589;GPP|#6f520d07-fa28-4a39-a1a6-a53c75fe9ed2;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#4584172a-2da2-493e-9a9e-31a5fba5cee5;L0|#04584172a-2da2-493e-9a9e-31a5fba5cee5|Think about cyclists and pedestrians;GPP|#535b3a4a-cc07-4f22-a0ae-87bac46e162aTips and basic rules to help drivers ensure that cyclists and pedestrians stay safe on the road.1

 

 

 

 

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