Be part of the solution not the probelm says PPA
Cycling hours are now also restricted to between the hours of 5am and 9pm daily, unless you are an essential worker and have a permit.
Most cyclists have been yelled at or ill-treated by a driver at some point.
“Cyclists don’t obey the rules of the road” is one of the most common arguments drivers use to justify their behaviour. Sometimes justifiably so.
“It doesn’t matter where or what you ride, please show respect to be respected,” chairman of the Pedal Power Association (PPA), Steve Hayward
Some useful tips for cyclists when sharing the road with other riders and drivers.
– Firstly, cyclists must observe the latest Level 3 Lockdown regulations for cycling are free to continue training but not in groups. Cycling hours are now also restricted to between the hours of 5am and 9pm daily, unless you are an essential worker and have a permit. Masks are not required when exercising vigorously, but cyclists must keep a distance of 1,5m away from any other person. A mask needs to be worn at all other times.
– Ride in single file and only pass other cyclists when it is safe to do so. Cycling two or more abreast in the road is illegal and is one of the practices that give motorists reason to be frustrated with cyclists.
When overtaking another cyclist do so on the right with an audible verbal warning. Other cyclists do not expect you to pass on their left-hand side.
– Cycle predictably and use hand signals so other road users know what your intentions are. For some cyclists it seems to have become the norm to pass and stop in front of the rider ahead, even if it involves doing so in the middle of a pedestrian crossing or in the actual intersection well ahead of the traffic light. Don’t cycle against traffic. Riding in the opposite direction on the opposite side of the road is extremely dangerous.
– Don’t hinder your ability to hear warnings (e.g. headphones) and approaching dangers on a bike in traffic.
During events (unfortunately on hold for the moment) riding in a group means you need to think about what other cyclists expect you to do. The perfect group will be a seamless body of movement. If you must take the hit and ride through that small pothole, just don’t flick the bike around and weave all over the place.
– Don’t overlap wheels. This is like sitting in someone’s blind spot when driving. When stopping to take a call, wait for someone a or take a selfie make sure that you leave the cycling path clear. It is frustrating and dangerous to other cyclists to if they have to weave off their line to get past. Be on the lookout for road hazards and don’t cross the centre line when going round a corner.
– Don’t expect to be granted right of way in any instance. Be careful and alert on the roads.
“Let’s all cycle responsibly, respect and greet others and make it enjoyable and safer for all cyclists and easier for the cycling community to grow,” Hayward said.
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