Cyclists ride for safe cycling
FOURWAYS - The 947 Cycle Challenge is bringing cycling to the masses again this year and two of Toyota CycleLab's top cyclists are sharing their tips for safe cycling.
Andrew McLean started triathlons when he was 18, but soon realised he had a talent specifically for cycling. This year, he will be riding the 947 for the Toyota 1.5m campaign, an awareness drive to legalise the 1.5m passing distance rule between motorists and cyclists. McLean said safe cycling is something cyclists and motorists need to work on.
He suggested cyclists wear bright cycling kits and flashing lights, even during the day. Cyclists should also choose safe routes and join a well organised club as it is much safer riding with other cyclists than on their own.
“The roads are often not safe and hence the huge upsurge in off-road sales,” McLean said. One cyclist who did make the transition from on-road cycling to off-road cycling is Robyn de Groot. De Groot made the transition to mountain biking last year.
“I felt the time was right to retire from the road. I’d achieved the goals I’d set out to achieve and the time was right,” she said. De Groot is also an advocate for safe cycling and suggested that while mountain biking, cyclists should know their limits. “I wear an ICE ID [a medical ID bracelet] when out training and always have a mobile phone on me,” she said. “Remember 112 can dial out on a locked mobile phone and if you don’t have cell reception.”
Both de Groot and McLean agreed unanimously that the best way to take up cycling is to join a cycling club. “Toyota Cycle Lab Club has beginners clinics and rides to introduce people to the sport,” McLean said. “At 10am every Saturday morning, Cycle Lab Megastore in Fourways has a free beginners clinic.”
“Make sure you buy the right sized bike and invest some money into a bike set-up, it is money well spent,” de Groot added.
Details: www.cyclelab.com
McLean and Cycle Lab are hypocrites regarding the safe cycling advocated in the article. Members of Cycle Lab Club break various rules of the road every time they engage in a group ride. Traffic light signals and single file rules are particularly flaunted with no action taken by McLean and the club. Poor show.
It is not safe to cycle in around the suburbs as many motorists disregard cyclists. It is well worth the time and effort driving out to the Cradle of Humankind and cycling around there. There are cycling tracks for both mtb and road cyclists and some of the venues (like Valverde) offer to babysit your children whilst you ride. With all the things in the area to do, you can make a wonderful family outing after a great ride.