Cycling safely
Cape Town is a renowned recreational and utility cycling location for both mountain bikers and road cyclists. When cycling our beautiful city, remember that safety must come first. There are certain things that you can do to make sure that you are cycling as safely as possible.
Sharing the road with vehicles
Motorists and cyclists should always be aware of each other and know that it is both the driver’s and the cyclist’s right to be on the road.
What drivers would like cyclists to know:
- Motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavement.
- Motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and have less time to brake in an emergency.
- Motorists may not always see cyclists.
- Motorists feel nervous when cyclists hesitate, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes.
- Motorists can feel delayed by slower moving cyclists.
- Motorists don’t always understand that some road surfaces, intersections or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclists.
Be a responsible cyclist
Obey the rules of the road:
- Keep a 1,5 metre distance between yourself and any cars next to you.
- Obey traffic light signals at all times.
- Pay attention at intersections and traffic circles.
- Be predictable: indicate where you intend to go, and check that drivers have seen you.
- Thank drivers when they let you through.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet – it will help protect your head if you are in an accident and it is required by law!
- Make sure you keep left.
- Make sure you only ride in single file.
- Always stop at all red traffic lights and at all stop streets.
- Give way to pedestrians.
- Be seated in your saddle when you ride.
- You must use the bicycle lane whenever one is available.
- Report dangerous and reckless driving.
- Don’t be guilty of dangerous or reckless cycling.
Top tip
If you show respect to all road users, they will be more likely to show respect to cyclists.
Be visible:
- Make sure you always wear reflective gear, especially at night.
- When you ride after sunset or before sunrise, place flashing lights at the front and rear of your bicycle.
- Ride in groups and turn back if you are feeling unsafe.
Always carry the following items with you:
- Water
- A spare tube or patch kit
- Tyre lever and pump
- Identification on yourself and on your bike
- Medical alerts in case you are taken to a hospital
- The number of your next-of-kin (a family member or close friend to be notified if you are in an accident)
Top tip
Always let someone know when and where you are going. Store a next-of-kin’s number as ICE (in case of emergency) on your phone and on your bike. Paramedics can notify them if you have been in an accident.
Check your bicycle before you start your trip:
- Check for anything that may cause a flat tyre.
- Check your brakes.
- Check for any loose nuts and bolts.
Cycling laws
Cyclists can ride on almost any road open to cycling. They may not cycle on freeways (like the M3, M5, N1 and N2 in and near Cape Town). Remember to use cycle lanes wherever these exist, and remember that bicycles are also vehicles and cyclists must obey certain laws in terms of the National Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
Bicycle lanes and routes
Our fast-developing ‘non-motorised transport’ (NMT) routes can be found along streets, major roads and greenbelts, in the central city and Khayelitsha as well as between the CBD and Table View. We have also developed separate, high-quality cycling paths alongside the new MyCiTi bus route, along the Klipfontein Corridor (which includes the Liesbeek Parkway).
The NMT routes are placed around our public transport networks for easy access and connections to our buses and trains. On busier roads, the lanes are wider and painted on the roadway, and along greenbelts or in less busy areas, the lanes are narrower and sometimes are for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Access the cycle lane maps
If you want to find out the best routes around the city, and into surrounding areas of nature, please see the following recommended websites and start exploring:
Read more about how we approach non-motorised transport and how our lanes and pathways are classified and developed on our transport
website.
Fast fact
Cape Town is one of the few cities in South Africa with a ‘bicycle master plan’.
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