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With just over four months to go until the 2017 Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic, which takes place on 22 October, cyclists around South Africa and the world will be preparing for this challenging but picturesque race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

With enthusiasts already starting to train for the gruelling 106km route, race organisers are appealing to cyclists and motorists alike to use this time to keep road safety top of mind and educate those around them.

Road Safety Tips for Cyclists & Motorists

These tips were taken from the Pedal Power website and can be used to help you practice road safety:

Cyclists

•  Familiarise yourself with all the applicable traffic laws and cycling rules.
• Do not run stop signs or red lights or cycle on the wrong side of the road.
• Ensure that you have enough room to handle emergencies and that you do not cycle too close to the left.
• Before reaching an intersection, choose a lane and merge with the traffic to make your presence known.
• Always wear a helmet and make sure you are visible with bright lights and reflective clothing.
• Be aware of your surroundings and look out for road hazards.
• Know your hand signals and make sure your brakes are working properly.
• Using an iPod, headset or radio while cycling is against the law.
• Try and cycle in a consistent and predictable fashion and don’t make hasty decisions.
• Be polite to other road users.

Motorists

• Remember that you share the roads with vulnerable commuters.
• Check your rear view and side mirrors before opening your doors to avoid injuring approaching cyclists or pedestrians.
• Remember that bicycles are considered vehicles and have the same rights as motorists on the road.
• Don’t drink and drive – be responsible!
• Check your mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
• Be patient.
• Don’t use your phone while driving.

Campaigns for Cycling Safety

Tsogo Sun Amashova Race Director, Annie Batchelder says, “Cycling safety has become a major issue on our roads and the number of fatal incidents involving cyclists is unacceptably high. We are committed to educating people about road safety, which is why we have funded the building of bike safety parks at schools. We also actively promote road safety through our association with organisations such as Pedal Power and their ‘Stay Wider of the Rider campaign’ which was launched in 2014.”

The campaign encourages motorists and cyclists to keep a safe 1,5m distance between each other while passing. To date, two bike parks have been funded by Amashova and built in disadvantaged schools in areas surrounding the Tsogo Sun Amashova route with the third Amashova Road Safety Bicycle Park being opened in October 2017. Here, children are taught to become safe cyclists and to understand general road rules.

In recent years, the Departments of Transport and Basic Education have partnered to bring to South African schools the Safer Schools and Safer Roads campaign which teaches children to abide by the rules of the road. The idea is to nurture future generations to act as ambassadors for road safety.

67 Minutes for Road Safety

Batchelder says, “We are 100% on board with these initiatives but the broader communities must also get involved. Cycling is growing and we need to work together to instil mutual respect between all road users to help keep our cyclists safe while they train. With Mandela Day (18 July) and the school holidays just around the corner, we feel it’s imperative to encourage everyone to spend their 67 minutes setting a good example and educating the youth about sticking to road safety rules and teaching them how to be safe on the roads as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist.”
For more information on the Tsogo Sun Amashova Classic go to www.shova.co.za.
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