The number of cyclists and motorists on our roads are increasing each year. As of 2013, accidents involving motor vehicles and cyclists have increased by over 80% and statistics show that 40% of all road fatalities are vulnerable road users, including cyclists.
“The PPA’s primary role is to protect and empower cyclists. The PPA’s new STAY WIDER OF THE RIDER campaign that launches in February this year, will create maximum awareness amongst drivers that will hopefully lead to safer roads for our cyclists,” says Steve Hayward, chairman of the Pedal Power Association (PPA).
The Pedal Power Association, a Public Benefit Organisation with more than 18 000 members, launched the very successful ‘Cyclists Stay Alive at 1.5’ campaign back in 2011 which resulted in a 1 metre passing law which was promulgated in 2013 in the Western Cape. The PPA will continue to lobby for a 1.5 metre passing distance. The STAY WIDER OF THE RIDER campaign urges motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance of at least 1 metre or more.
Statistics show that almost all cycling fatalities on our roads are caused by cyclists being hit by a motor vehicle from behind or when a vehicle underestimates the speed of a cyclist and turns in front of the cyclist. Cyclists have almost no protection when they are involved in an accident, so by giving them adequate space on the roads, motorists can avoid accidents that can cost precious lives.
“According to law, motorists are allowed to drive over the solid centre line of a two- way road in order to pass cyclists at the safe distance when the coast is clear,” says Hayward. Top South African celebrities DJ Fresh, Joel Stransky, Gugu Zulu, DJ Suga and Anne Siroky all support the campaign and will deliver a powerful message in support of safe cycling via the media.
Join thousands of supporters and pledge your support for the safe cycling campaign by applying the “Stay Wider of the Rider” bumper sticker to the back of your vehicle. “It is our responsibility as drivers to become more aware and tolerant of other road users,” says Hayward.
Visibility is a key issue that contributes towards cycling accidents on our roads. The new “Stay Wider of the Rider” safe cycling jerseys are highly visible and include the simple “Stay Wider of the Rider” message. Jerseys are available in men’s and ladies’ cuts at R 400 each from February 2015 from the PPA offices and other Cape Town Cycle Tour seeding events like the EP Herald in February. High visibility bibs with the “Stay Wider of the Rider” message will be available to cyclists who ride or commute in normal work clothes.
To coincide with the launch of the new initiative, the PPA is planning an Awareness Ride on Saturday 28 February at 6h30 am from Maiden’s Cove (Camp’s Bay) to Chapman’s Peak and back. “We urge all cyclists wanting a safer cycling environment to enter online and show their support for safe cycling in South Africa,” explains Rob Booth, chairman of the Safe Cycling Sub- Committee. “Enter online, pay for your jersey and join us for a great ride,” says Booth. Cyclists who purchase a “Stay Wider of the Rider” jersey and participate in this ride stand a chance to qualify for the exclusive and prestigious 2015 Cape Town Cycle Tour Safe Cycling start group. Entries for the Awareness Ride open Monday 2 February 2015 – follow the link from PPA website at www.pedalpower.org.za.
“There can be no doubt that the time has come for action to make our roads safer for the cyclists of South Africa,” says Hayward. “The PPA constantly hears from cyclists across South Africa who feel unsafe on the roads due to poorly designed roads, aggressive driving or the lack of signage and safe cycling lanes.
“Cyclists need to remember that if they want motorists to respect them on the roads, they too have to obey the rules of the road and show respect towards motorists. “Using abusive language and rude gestures is just going to add fuel to the fire,” he said.
“Cycling is a valid form of transport. In too many cases cycling is treated as an optional extra to be added where there is enough ‘spare space’, Hayward said. “Let’s practise tolerance, respect and unity in order to be safer on the roads,” Hayward concluded.
I sometimes think they deserve to have their wish fulfilled. We have to get our fellow cyclists to change their attitudes first.
Cool..I've ve noticed that when I wear the 1.5m PPA jersey then motorists tend to be more wary when passing.