Whether you’re cycling for sport, recreation or for your daily commute to work, the rules of the road apply:
- You are not allowed to carry a person, animal or object which obstructs your view.
- You may not cycle on a freeway.
- You must wear a helmet which fits properly and fasten the chin straps properly.
- If a portion of a public road has been set aside for bicycles, you are not allowed to ride on any other portion of such a road.
- Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
- Ride in a single file
Visit Arrive Alive’s website for the full list of rules of the road for cyclists.
Read about Up Cycles bicycle rental.
Be safe and on time
If you’re planning to cycle to work, here are a few tips to get you to work safely and on time:
- You will probably be riding in peak hour traffic. Factor traffic busyness into your expected travelling time to avoid any unnecessary rush.
- If you are riding when it’s dark or misty, make sure your lights are on, both front and back.
- Wear bright clothing and reflective gear for maximum visibility.
- Wear the proper cycling gear to and from work, including a helmet. Have spare gear available at the office just in case. When it’s raining wear protective gear such as a jacket, cycling cap, gloves and overshoes.
- Don’t forget to secure your bike using a proper bike lock.
- Be on the lookout for distracted pedestrians and motorists who might behave in unexpected ways.
- Don’t use earphones when cycling so that you can hear what is going on around you. You should be able to use all your senses.
Find more commuting tips for cycling to work on the City of Cape Town's website.
Better non-motorised transport in the Western Cape
The Western Cape Mobility Department is working closely with municipalities in the Western Cape to create better conditions for non-motorised transport (NMT) users, including cyclists. The City of Cape Town’s Draft Cycling Strategy proposes that cycling routes must be:
- Safe.
- Secure.
- Direct.
- Comfortable.
- Attractive.
Read more about the City’s cycling interventions on the City of Cape Town's website.
Through the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP) formerly known as the Provincial Public Transport Institutional Framework (PPTIF), the WCMD works with local municipalities to improve non-motorised transport in the Western Cape by supporting the development of better, safer infrastructure, and the distribution of bicycles.
The Western Cape Government's Bicycle Handover Tour takes place in May this year. It aims to bring attention to road safety and mobility issues, as well as to distribute bicycles to communities. Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Government Ministers cycle through rural towns such as Struisbaai and Bredasdorp to hand over bicycles to community members.
Perks of cycling
If you’re thinking about swopping your car for another mode to get to work, consider cycling:
- It’s better for the environment.
- You won’t spend money on fuel.
- It’s a great workout.
- You won’t stress out getting stuck in traffic or looking for parking.
- If you’re living in the City of Cape Town, bicycles are allowed on the MyCITI bus if you get tired or need to get somewhere in a hurry.
View more benefits of cycling on Cyclingweekly.com