Stay safe: Rules of the road refresher for CYCLISTS and MOTORISTS

Africa Melane speaks to fitness presenter and mental fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen about insights on safe cycling in South Africa.

Listen below:

Liezel van der Westhuizen shares some road rules for cyclists and motorists.

Every road rule that applies to a motor vehicle applies to cycling and there is legislation attached to it which can be found in the National Traffic Act of 1993-1996, says van der Westhuizen. 

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This act states:

• Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists.
• Bicycles must be equipped with at least one brake operating on the rear wheel.
• Front and rear lights are required: a white light in the front and a red light at the rear.
• Reflectors must be fitted on both the front and rear of the bicycle.
• An efficient warning device such as a bell must be in working order.

Bicycles are considered legal vehicles giving cyclists the same rights to safe passage as any other road user but, therefore, there are additional rules of the road to adhere to such as:

• Riding in single file and keeping to the left of the road.
• Stopping at a red traffic light, stop streets and pedestrian crossings.
• Giving way to pedestrians and stopping before a crosswalk.
• Riding in the flow of traffic is mandatory in two-way streets.
• No cycling on highways.
• Bicycles must have lights on during sunrise or sunset rides and when riding in the dark. 
• Cyclists aren't allowed to cycle in yellow lines on the road.

Van der Westhuizen also contacted a spokesperson from the Pedal Power Association (PPA) to detail rules to keep road users safe.

The PPA appeals to motorists to:

• Give cyclists at least one meter when passing.
• When stopping to park, avoid dooring cyclists as you get out of the car.
• On narrow roads, give cyclists time to pass - they need time and respect to pass.
• Maintain a distance of at least one metre when passing a cyclist.

The PPA appeals to cyclists to:

• Cyclists should wear bright-coloured clothing and be as visible as possible.
• Don't cycle on pavements unless there is a demarcated area for cycling - stick to cycling tracks and paths.

Overall, all road rules apply to cyclists while mutual respect, patience and respect apply to all road users.

"Let's promote a culture of care and respect on the road for each other. We all have the right to use the road equally and I think it's just a change in behaviour and general courtesy which can go a long way in preventing a lot of crashes we see today..."

- Pedal Power Association

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.