It is often said that respect is a two-way street. For an avid cyclist, this sentiment resonates deeply when using the road.
It is for this reason that the Team Geniuses cycling club will take advantage of Transport Awareness Month to educate locals on how motorists and cyclists can share the road within the city.
Thabang Selemela considers himself an avid sports fanatic. Being part of the cycling club gives him a chance to live out his nostalgia for his earliest memories on a bicycle while doing community work by raising awareness of societal issues.
He said that it would be an injustice if the club did not dedicate October month for raising awareness.
“Many people use roads, and we need to understand the need to share the road. You have cyclists and runners, as well as pedestrians, who must be given the right accord to make use of the road just as motorists should,” he said. According to Selemela, this has become a national issue as the “carnage that has become our roads affects the economy very badly”.
He added that there is much attention needed when it comes to making the city “cycle-friendly”, as many motorists are impatient and easily irritable of cyclists and runners.
“You get the feeling that they don’t believe that cyclists have an equal claim to road use. Many obstinately refuse to give way and space for cyclists, they overtake or pass way too close to cyclists and at times even push them out of the way, and it’s ludicrous. Then there is cellphone use while driving that is what leads to most accidents involving cyclists.”
Cyclists furthermore have the responsibility of making sure that they do not endanger themselves as well.
“They need to ensure that they are visible at all times, wearing bright colours and putting on their lights is a must. It does not help to assume that motorists see you as you cycle. Be vigilant, take reasonable precautions to be seen and make sure that issues of cyclists’ safety are discussed in all forums where people meet in big numbers, be it churches, at work and other social gatherings,” advised Selemela.
Selemela’s tips for first-time cyclists:
- A proper headgear or helmet is a must – Right Gear All Times (RGAT),
- Have flickering rear and headlights at all times, wear bright colours, keep left and stay as much to the left as possible.
- Avoid busy roads and times, weekends in the early morning are some of the best times to cycle, always inform family and friends of the direction you’re taking and the mileage you will do. Try as best as possible to always cycle in a group.
The Friends’ Biggest Ride will take place from the Windmill Casino to Imvelo Safari Lodge on 7 October. For more information and how you can get involved, contact Thabang Selemela at 082-449-4690.
Gypseenia Lion
gypseenia@mahareng.co.za
